SCENE September 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019 southernminnSCENE.com

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CONTENT

SEPTEMBER 2019 / VOLUME 7 / ISSUE 8

Features:

COLUMNS:

Celebrating German heritage with local food.

Storm Area 51 ... or not!

8 From sauerbraten to polkas

12 Curiosi-Tea

18 ‘Amaze-ing’ Fall fun on the farms

Pumpkin patches, produce and cute animals.

30 MoonFest

SoMinn’s most comprehensive

calendar of things to be SCENE.

Banks - III

HAVE A CALENDAR EVENT?

40 Photographing SoMInn

Discovering two MN gems.

All of the new foods at the state fair and talking to the people behind the dishes.

36 The TimeLine

Editor Philip Weyhe - 507-931-8567 editor@southernminnSCENE.com

editor@southernminnSCENE.com or got to www.southernminnscene. com/calendar

45 SoMInn FOOD & DINING Review

Kasota hip-hop festival makes waves.

32 New foods at the State Fair

Have a story idea?

43 Album Review

Babe’s Music Bar.

46 The Bookworm Sez:

Scene ABOUT

Wabasha’s SeptOberfest

Some of the tastiest treats throughout the region.

4 Mollywood BLVD

24 Through a SoMinn Lens

A ‘Steampunk Victorian’ tea shop.

14 Desserts

14

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| SE P TEM B ER 2 0 1 9

3

Mollywood Blvd

W

hat are you doing on Friday, Sept.

20?

If you said you’ll be in Nevada storming Area 51, I might have to call your bluff.

I RSVP’d “Interested” to the Facebook invite but there is no way I am doing it.

In case you missed it, early this summer a Facebook event was created titled: “Storm Area 51 - They Can’t Stop All of Us.” It was posted as a joke by a video game streamer named Matty Roberts who really could not have predicted it would go viral. He had just listened to the Joe Rogan podcast who had Area 51 whistleblower and conspiracy theorist Bob Lazar on the show.

You may have scrolled by his Netflix documentary Area 51 and Flying Saucers. Within hours, thousands of people responded that they would attend. Now the event has over 2 million who have responded “going” and over 1.4 more who are “interested.”

The event details state, “We will all meet up at the Area 51 Alien Center tourist attraction and coordinate our entry. If we Naruto run, we can move faster than their bullets. Let’s see them aliens.”

I added proper punctuation and capitalization, because Roberts really didn’t put that much effort into this farce. But that’s the scary thing! Yes, it was a farce, but it looks as though at least some

4

MOLLY PENNY Molly Penny is a local radio personality and MSU Mankato alum. It was her love of pop culture that got her interested in doing a morning show gig for KOWZ 100.9. She is now Music and Promotions Director at KOWZ & KRUE Radio in Owatonna and can be heard on various airwaves in Southern Minnesota, including Hot 96.7 in Mankato. She resides in Mankato with her movie buff husband and YouTube obsessed children. Need to contact her?

Shoot her an e-mail mollyp@kowzonline.com or catch her on Twitter at @mollyhoodUSA.

portion of these government-distrusting, alienobsessed folks are actually going to make the pilgrimage to the desert.

Most of us likely RSVP’d, because we think it is funny and wanted some cheap entertainment by getting notifications from the Facebook event page. But there are definitely some diehards that will be making the trek.

This is America, so obviously businesses are already planning to capitalize on this planned raid.

After the original event post came an onslaught of memes and other social media references to the raid from personal accounts to brands like Funjuns and Kool-Aid. Bud Light plans to release an alien themed beer label and rumor has it Arby’s will be catering the event with an alien themed menu and food truck.

In fact, business owners in Rachel, Nevada, a popular tourist destination town of just 56 people just outside the base on Highway 375, dubbed the Extraterrestrial Highway, are preparing for visitors. Local inns are already booked and one of the hotel owners is going to be preparing 30 acres for camping as well. It sounds like it is going to be quite a party and undoubtedly thousands of people will attend.

It is to be determined how many will actually attend and actually attempt to enter.

If you don’t know, Area 51 is a United States Air Force facility within the Nevada Test and Training Range and has been the subject of conspiracies regarding aliens since the 1950s when there were several purported UFO sightings near the base.

Conspiracy theorists, and some just curious people, believe that aliens, UFOs or secrets sur-

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rounding them are stored at Area 51. Obviously this raid could potentially pose a threat to national security.

We know that the government has used this remote area 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas to test fly U-2s , the OXCART and F-117 stealth ground attack jet. We know that the perimeter is heavily guarded and you cannot fly over the area without permission from air traffic control. Obviously our military isn’t going to disclose how they plan to deal with this onslaught of visitors, but you can anticipate that they will beef up security.

Air Force spokesperson Laura McAndrews said officials were aware of the event and issued a warning saying: “[Area 51] is an open training range for the U.S. Air Force, and we would discourage anyone from trying to come into the area where we train American armed forces. The U. S. Air Force always stands ready to protect America and its assets.”

She is not the only one issuing that warning. A public information officer at Nellis Air Force Base has also warned that “any attempt to illegally access the area is highly discouraged.” No duh.

It sounds to me like a good way to get yourself shot. Haven’t you watched X-Files? Whatever secrets Area 51 holds, alien or not, what makes you think the U.S Government will not use force to defend it? Of course they will, which is troubling.

The CIA did not even confirm its existence until June of 2013 – that is how veiled in secrecy it is.

While there are so many theories on what it is they are hiding, whether it’s alien crafts or advanced technologies gleaned from extraterrestrial encounters, the idea that you are going to get

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in there to uncover the “truth” and live to tell is naïve to say the least. Not to mention, I am sure there are extremely high levels of security even if they did make it into the base.

People will get hurt, people will go to jail, and until they organize something a little more official and a bit more discreet than a Facebook post, I am afraid we are not going to find any aliens. The reality of what you will likely encounter even if the situation does not become hostile is a shortage of public bathrooms, no nearby medical care if an emergency arises, and a big old bill if your car breaks down on the sojourn since it’s literally in the middle of nowhere.

Hypothetically, for fun, let’s say a few of us were able to get in. If even 5% of the 2 million who clicked “Going” show up, that’s what, 100,000 people? Surely they couldn’t stop us all, right? But what if we encountered underground aliens living at Area 51?

Based on all of our pop culture knowledge of the extraterrestrial beings, we had better be equipped with stuff they like: Coors beer, Reese’s Pieces. Cats?

But what if they aren’t wide eyed and adorable like Stephen Spielberg’s E.T. or fuzzy and friendly like A.L.F? What if they are more like the winged Hawk men of Flash Gordon or the horrifying creatures from Ridley Scott’s Alien movies? What if the people who go there come back as replicas like Invasion of the Body Snatchers? It sounds like a great gathering, but I don’t want to end up in a pod, personally!

In all seriousness, if you are going, be safe … and believe. SMS

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7

L

Photos and story by Audrey Kletscher Helbling

ong before locally-grown and locally-sourced exploded into a movement, St. John’s United Church of Christ, Wheeling Township, already tapped both for an ethnic dinner that today draws some 600 guests from throughout Southern Minnesota and beyond to the rural Nerstrand area church each September.

Authentic German cuisine focuses Germanfest, an event started in 1997 to celebrate the area’s German heritage. From that first meal to today, many of the ingredients for the buffet come directly from the land, most from the garden of Craig Keller, fest general chairman. He lives just down the road from the historic church founded in 1856 by his great grandfather.

With vegetables like potatoes, onions, beets, cabbage and sweet corn harvested locally, volunteers prepare ethnic dishes, such as sauerkraut, that draw rave reviews. Keller often hears, “It’s the best German food we’ve ever tasted.”

And there’s reason for that praise. With a commitment to using pri-

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60th Anniversary Sweet Treat Celebration

EVENT

AUDITIONS THEATER Purple Door Youth Theater marily fresh ingredients, following old family recipes and years of practice, St. John’s offers authentic ethnic down-home cooking.

The buffet features a lengthy list of foods — sauerbraten, brats, rinderwurst, sauerkraut, German potato salad, mashed potatoes and gravy, red cabbage, German style green beans, corn, sweet-and-sour beets, homemade pickles, bread and desserts of Black Forest cake, German chocolate cake, apple kuchen angel food cake, cream puffs and the especially popular bread pudding.

His ancestors, Keller said, would not approve of serving bread pudding, considered a “poor man’s dessert.” But diners love the bread pudding Keller bakes in small 1 ½-quart casserole batches using a family recipe that includes a savory and buttery vanilla sauce.

The tangy scent of vinegar lingers in the fellowship hall where diners fill their plates buffet style then settle in to sample foods from the Old Country. Onions sauteed in bacon grease go into the freshly-made German potato salad. Cinnamon laces rinderwurst, an all-beef dish made pate´, rather than sausage, style for the masses. Wait staff in German costumes stitched by parishioners keep beverages filled, tables cleared and diners happy. A third of St. John’s 150 members volunteer at Germanfest. Food prep begins a year in advance and continues throughout the day. This year’s fest is on Sunday, September 29.

But the event is about much more than food. Longtime volunteer Shirley Little invites folks “to enjoy the camaraderie and the church community in itself, the good food, good music and lots to see.” She encourages those who love polka music to attend and listen, maybe even dance, to the old time tunes of Tim Chlan and Friends, The Ray Sands Band and The Stuttgart Three. Bands perform under a tent continuously from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. with an hour break for the Polka Praise Service inside the sanctuary at 3 p.m.

Also outdoors, next to the aged limestone church in this peaceful rural setting, are a farmers market, petting zoo, root beer stand and BINGO. “It’s a good all-around family event,” said Keller.

He’s right. People of all ages return year after year on the last Sunday of September for the music, the food, the activities, the fellowship and more. This year Keller’s mother, 94-year-old Elsie,

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celebrates her 80th Confirmation anniversary along with others confirmed in years ending in nine. The reunions are part of each festival.

The Keller family’s love of their heritage and of this church are evidenced throughout Germanfest. In an historical display staged in the narthex, handiwork, a baptismal certificate, vintage portraits and other items come mostly from the family’s collection.

There was a time, during the world wars, when the family, like so many other German Americans, hid their ethnicity, Keller noted.

During WWII, his grandma burned books written in Deutsch. “To

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Family-Friendly

Free Admission

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CONTINUED from page 9 preserve anybody’s heritage is important whether German, Italian, French ... We’re proud to be of the German heritage,” Keller said today.

Pride also shows in hand-stitched to current-day quilts draped over church pews by members of a community quilting group for the fest quilt show. Church women also sew several quilts and raffle them.

As if that’s not enough, some dozen volunteers craft apple jelly and apple butter from the fruit of an aged crabapple tree on the church grounds. Not one to waste anything, just like his frugal German ancestors before him, Keller didn’t want those apples to go to waste. His mother suggested the jelly and thus St. John’s signature apple jelly came to be with 200-plus jars available for purchase along with a variety of homemade good-

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ies in the bake shop. Holiday ornaments, greeting cards and more are sold in a Christmas store.

For dedicated volunteer Keller, also an insurance agent, farmer, baker (he has a side cake business) and church organist, his love of cooking, his love of fellow church members and his appreciation for the crowds of appreciative diners keep him motivated to continue Germanfest. And then there’s the reason this all started — “to try to promote the local German heritage” in this church where he’s rooted back four generations. SMS Freelancer Audrey Kletscher Helbling writes and photographs with an appreciation for small towns and the land, rooted in her upbringing on a dairy and crop farm in southwestern Minnesota. A former newspaper reporter, she holds a journalism degree and continues to pursue her creative passions through blogging at https:// mnprairieroots.com/, penning poetry, photography and more.

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German Buffet Sunday, Sept. 29 Serving from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.

Cost: adults, $15; ages 5-12, $5; and 4 and under, free.

No reservations needed St. John’s United Church of Christ is located at 19086 Jacobs Ave., rural Faribault, near Nerstrand Big Woods State Park.

Visit https://stjohnsunitedchurchofchrist.info.

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The Curiosi-Tea House Vision “Our vision is to provide high quality teas and products that are healthy, flavorful, unique and affordable for daily consumption. We strive to be considered an exceptional, healthminded and value added business in our community. Stop in and you will find a friendly locally owned business offering unique global products and tea education in a comfortable artistic setting that encourages conversation and relaxation.”

I

Story by GRACE BRANDT Contributing Writer

t’s a little hard to describe Curiosi-Tea House, located in North Mankato, but that’s part of its charm.

The walls are different splashes of pastel color, ranging from cream to deep purple, while an odd and endearing assortment of seating is scattered throughout the building. Chairs range from minimalistic barstools to classic white dining sets to overstuffed leather lounge chairs.

One side of the entrance is taken up by a floorto-ceiling bar set, stocked with more teas than you can count, while a bathroom features a half-finished painting of Alice in Wonderland winding its way up the wall.

Of course, the scene wouldn’t be complete without tea sets, and there are dozens of mismatched cups, saucers and teapots that guests can use.

Owner and proprietor Heidi Wyn describes the style as “Steampunk Victorian,” but don’t be put off if that’s not your usual aesthetic. Wyn insists that tea is versatile enough to offer something for everyone.

“People have different experiences when they come into the tea shop,” she said. “They may be looking for

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something to remind them of a place they’ve visited or a family memory. I had a gentleman come in [who] said, ‘This is just like the tea I had with my dad when I was 20 and we were in London.’ It’s like drinking a memory. It’s a really neat thing to be able to offer that experience to somebody.”

Filling a need Wyn grew up in Mankato, heading to South Dakota to pursue a teaching degree. After graduation, she taught in two one-room schoolhouses, a small school district and even a Hutterite community before returning to Minnesota. After working in the education field for several more years, Wyn decided to try something new.

“My whole background taught me that if you’re open to new experiences, you can learn a lot from them, and you can kind of do anything you put your mind to,” Wyn said. “You don’t have to do what you’ve always done; you can use things that you’ve

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learned in a different way.”

Wyn had run her own thrift shop for a little while, and she was interested in starting another business. Around that time, Wyn had discovered white tea, which tends to have a very low amount of caffeine. Wyn is caffeine-sensitive and can’t drink coffee, so the tea became a new favorite of hers.

“I thought, ‘I can’t be the only one who’s interested in this,’” she recalled. “There’s got to be other people out there like me who had no idea what my options were.”

So Wyn decided to open a tea house. She put together her own business plan, pulling advice off the internet, before attending some entrepreneur classes. Then she started going to vendor fairs, trying to gauge if there was enough interest for her business dream to float—and there definitely was.

Wyn opened Curiosi-Tea House on River Street in Mankato in September 2014. When she first started, she needed to remodel the kitchen, so the first nine months were only retail-based. Eventually, she was able to expand into offering a place for tea lovers to linger. Customers could choose from a variety of games Wyn had on-hand, or just curl up with a good book and a hot cup of tea.

Growing and expanding Wyn eventually outgrew her original location as people kept asking to bring in bigger groups.

In January 2019, she moved up the hill to North Mankato. She purchased the current building, which is larger and able to offer more seating, a larger kitchen and a designated retail area. There is also some outdoor seating, including an intricate wrought iron gazebo.

According to Wyn, business has been good. In fact, they’ve had more business every day at the new location compared to the old one, except for the day after the “polar vortex” in January.

“That was the only day that we’ve been slower, sales-wise, than downtown,” she said.

Looking to the future, Wyn said she hopes to add more “grab-and-go” bulk food items, such as prepackaged quarts of soup, so people can swing by and take something home. She’d also like to add more outdoor seating and make it pet-friendly, with the hope of hosting more outdoor events, such as live music.

The tea house already hosts several different kinds of events, from tea-and-painting to themed tea parties. In August, Wyn organized a Jane Austen-style morning tea party, hosted by none other than Lady Catherine De Bourgh herself, and Wyn said she’s hoping to host a Harry Potterthemed tea party on Halloween this year. People can also rent the tea house during its off hours.

But the best deal might be the weekly tea tastings. On select hours of Tuesday, Thursday and

Saturday, tea lovers can purchase an unlimited amount of five different types of teas—and add unlimited servings of the teas of the day for another 50 cents.

“It’s the whole idea of educating people,” Wyn explained. “Come in and try something and be open to trying something new. If you don’t like one tea, there are many more to choose. We tell people, ‘Try them all, and come back and drink more of the one you like the best.’”

Types of teas Within the first two years of her business, Wyn’s tea options expanded to more than 200 varieties.

She rotates them throughout the year depending on the season; people tend to favor fruity, floral teas in the spring and spicier, hardier teas in the fall. Around the holidays, she pulls out more chocolate or nut blends. She has created about six of her own blends, including a green chai tea made entirely out of her own ingredients. Her most popular tea is pistachio shortbread, a black tea that contains notes of pistachio, marzipan and rose petal.

“If you put sugar and cream in it, it’s totally a cookie-in-a-cup dessert,” she said.

Wyn also offers a variety of food options, which are all plant-based, vegan and gluten-free. She and her employees make 15 types of soups from scratch and also offer salads and sandwiches.

There are also sweet options such as cookies, tea candies and other vegan dessert options.

Wyn said when she first opened, people warned her that she’d need to offer other beverages, such as coffee or soda, but she said she is committed to selling only healthy foods.

“It’s about putting good-for-you things in your body,” she said.

Wyn said she’s heard from several customers about how they didn’t think they liked tea—until they tried hers.

“We try to do events where we put teas in people’s hands,” she said. “We’ll hear, ‘I don’t like tea,’ and then we do an event and hear, ‘I didn’t know I liked tea,’ over and over again. If you don’t like one, we have 200 different kinds.” SMS

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Desserts

MUCH MORE THAN AN AFTERTHOUGHT Story by PAT GARRY Contributing Writer

“D

essert is aspirational,” former White House pastry Chef Bill Yosses once said.

“It’s the one part of the meal you don’t have to eat.

It’s the purest part of the meal: the art part. But it’s also the greediest part, the eat-it-in-a-closet part. We don’t have to have it, but

kids. The store’s root beer floats, served with Bridgeman’s vanilla ice cream, are perfect after a long bicycle ride on the Root River Trail.

“In late September, we feature Pumpkin ice cream, which tastes just like pumpkin pie. It’s delicious. We like to use that flavor in our Affagoto espresso drink – it’s like a pumpkin spice latte on steroids.

Also in September we have pumpkin spice lattes available,” expressed Anne. Jay and Anne flaunt a beautiful patio with seating and umbrellas; where guests can sit with family and friends, sand enjoy their delicious treats.

we do. . .”

I know I do. Check out these awesome establishments for the sweetest way to end your meal.

ANOTHER TIME ICE CREAM PARLOR

(www.facebook.com/anothertimeicecream – Lanesboro) Owners Jay and Anne Cecko’s ice cream parlor is open April through October, and they carry circa 16 flavors of Bridgeman’s ice cream. The Ceckos brew Caribou coffee drinks with a full espresso bar, and offer Abdallah chocolates. They concoct smoothies, frappes, shakes and malts. Caramelicious, with swirls of caramel and pieces of chocolate caramel candies, is quite popular, as is the Salted Caramel Espresso, with a hint of coffee, caramel swirls, and flecks of chocolate throughout. Of course, the multi-colored Superman, with vanilla, blue raspberry and red raspberry, is a huge hit with the

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the world. Karna’s most popular pies are the strawberry rhubarb and the caramel apple crumb. However, she is most famous for her awesome Minnesota Maple. It has a gooey base, similar to a nut base, with maple syrup, oatmeal, topped and baked with toasted coconut. Tastes like breakfast! “We are a seasonal pie shop located in a town of maybe 40 people. The sign says 63 but that’s outdated.

We are steps from a very beautiful and busy Root River Trail. So most of our business, about 95%, comes from folks wearing fancy spandex bicycle gear. They, like all of my customers, are awesome folks,” exclaimed Nelson Hudoba. All of Karna’s pies are made from scratch and baked right in Whalan. It’s always a challenge to keep up with the traffic that comes from the trail. Karna says that they need to be ready for the one-to-500-plus slices that need to be served (open every year on Saturday & Sunday, Mother’s Day weekend in May; then closed the Saturday of MEA, which is the 3rd Saturday in October).

AROMA PIE SHOPPE

(www.facebook.com/aromapieshoppe – Whalan) A plethora of pies: Apple, Carmel Apple Crumb, Peach, Blackberry Peach, Blueberry Peach Crumb, Blueberry, Bumbleberry, Cherry, Tripleberry, Bluebarb, Rhubarb, Strawberry Rhubarb, Blueberry Custard Crumb, Rhubarb Custard, Minnesota Maple, Pecan, Chocolate Cashew, Banana, Coconut, Sour Cream Raisin, Vanilla Cream with fresh fruit on top, Peanut Butter, Orange Dreamsicle, Lemon Poppyseed, Kaffe’ Mocha, Root River Mud - all chocolate. Owner and baker extraordinaire Karna Nelson Hudoba is in her fourth year of creating exquisite pies for local residents and visitors from all over

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THE BACKEREI & COFFEE SHOP

(www.backereinewulm.com – New Ulm)

A donut and a coffee for under $2.00 at the Backerei & Coffee Shop, where Amanda and Craig Hacker are head bakers and own-

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ers. Their staff includes Kelly Schmitz, Elizabeth Schrupp, Nancy Johnson, Olivia Blake, and Kelsie Schultz. While the Hackers’ most popular product is the donut, their apple fritters and maple/nutty Persians, are fan favorites as well. The cinnamon rolls are a huge favorite, because of their gigantic size and amazing taste. “We offer a variety of seasonal items, which include our popular frosted cutouts, Christmas cookie trays, and fruitcake (available in November). We will be adding cakes back to the menu as they, like the pies, scones, cupcakes, and apple turnovers, are in high demand,” explained the Hackers. “Ours is more than just a bakery. It’s a place where memories are relived and created. The community has been very supportive of the bakery. We wouldn’t be able to survive without that support, and we’re truly grateful,” Amanda and Craig remarked.

and Casey Neitzel purchased the business in 2018. The shop’s ice cream comes from the Chocolate Shoppe in Madison Wisconsin, and the most popular flavor is Zanzibar Chocolate (three delicious kinds of cocoa for a rich brownie-like taste). The Neitzels also make their own dairy free gelato, in house, using a coconut base; available in various flavors. “At Mom & Pop’s, we are devoted to customer service and cleanliness. We strive for a superior experience, where everyone feels welcome. We have a beautiful patio area that is dog friendly, and even an old piano for the kids,” Casey explained.

NATE & ALLY’S FROZEN TREAT CREATIONS (www.natenallys.com – Winona)

Nate & Ally's Frozen Treat Creations is owned by Dennis and Carmon McEntaffer. N&A’s have 18 flavors of soft serve, including self-serve frozen yogurt, gelato, and Italian ice, and occasionally, custard and sorbet. The McEntaffers offer at least eight flavors of hardscooped ice cream; up to four flavors of edible raw cookie dough; homemade ice cream sandwiches and ice cream tacos, which are ice cream in waffle cones shaped like taco shells. Some of the most popular flavors of ice cream are Michigan Pot Hole, Traffic Cone Blues (blueberry muffin ice cream with chocolate coated waffle cone), Puppy Chow, Mackinac Island Fudge, and Amaretto Cherry.

Signature soft-serve flavors are Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Gelato, Chocolate Obsession Gelato, Cookies-N-Cream Frozen Yogurt, White Chocolate Mousse Frozen Yogurt and Tiger’s Blood Italian Ice. “At different times of the year, we will have flavors in our self-serve such as Spiced Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Peppermint Frozen Yogurt, and flavors of ice cream such as Gingerbread, Carrot Cake, Banana and Apple Crisp,” Nate said.

BETTY SUE’S BETTER BREW CAFE (www.facebook.com/bettysuesbetterbrewcafe – Pine Island)

BobbiJo Kennedy is the owner of the quaint and very popular café. She and her mother, Jo Webber, take care of the cooking and baking. Scratch-made pies are fashioned by request, and that also includes cinnamon streusel coffee cake. Butter pecan bars are among the favorites (very rich and gooey). Other specialties are: Lemon Bars (short bread crust, just like grandma use to make, with a tangy lemon filling); Reese’s Peanut Butter Triple Chocolate Cake (three layers of triple chocolate cake, layered with Ganache, peanut butter, and Reese’s peanut butter cups). “Every day, I make three different kinds of bars, two different kinds of pies, donuts, cookies, pastries, sweet bread, coffee cake, muffins, and cupcakes. People say it reminds them of their grandmother’s baking!” Kennedy exclaimed. Betty Sue’s offers breakfast all day plus lunch and dinner (Mom Jo concocts scratch-made soups and chili, daily). When you walk through Betty Sue’s door, you will feel at home…always a friendly smile and always a good home-cooked meal looming.

BREAKFAST BARN

(www.facebook.com/breakfastbarnllc – Millville) Owned by Kay Briggs and Sara Evers (cooks and bakes), the Breakfast Barn offers fabulous breakfasts and lunches, along with out-of-this-world delectable desserts (all home-made from scratch, daily); Lemon Meringue Pie–freshly-squeezed lemons; Strawberry Pie–fresh strawberries; Carrot Cake; Coconut Cream Pie; Cheesecake–blueberry, strawberry, cherry. Some of the seasonal desserts offered throughout the year include Pumpkin dessert; Apple bars; Chocolate Mint Pie; and Sour Cream Raisin Pie. “When regular customers come in for lunch, they immediately look at the board to see what is for dessert. They enjoy the low prices and large amounts of desserts that we offer,” Evers said. The sisters strive to make everything like home cooking. Their ultimate goal is to have customers feel welcome when they visit the Breakfast Barn, and Kay and Sara are doing all they can to provide everyone a great dining experience. “Millville is a great community! Our customers (regular and new customers) are amazing. We are off the beaten path so it’s awesome to see so many people come to Millville to enjoy what Breakfast Barn has to offer,” explained Sara.

HUBBELL HOUSE

(www.hubbellhouserestaurant.com – Mantorville) Owned by Don Pappas, daughter Alaina Pappas-Mitchell oversees daily operations. The historic Hubbell House cuisine is unprecedented, but they also offer numerous delightful desserts.

Originally created by great grandmother Mary Pappas, the bread pudding is scrumptious (torn bread soaked in a milk and egg mixture with raisins and cinnamon, topped with the secret recipe of home-made caramel; a unique cheesecake, made in a pie dish); top it with caramel, hot fudge, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, or the house-made crème de menthe. Check out the wonderful crème Brule, French silk dessert, and turtle ice cream crepe. Additionally, the Hubbell House staff prepares exquisite pies, from lemon meringue to strawberry rhubarb. Desserts that have stood the test of time include turtle ice cream pie and raspberry bread pudding, with whisky river sauce. “I think what sets us apart is that we are still very old school. We have not changed much over the years and that is the way we intend to keep it. There are things that need to be brought up to date, but the overall ambiance is the same as it was 73 years ago. Our job is to make the dining experience as memorable as we can.

We hope there are many more years to come” – Alaina Pappas-Mitchell.

MOM & POP’S

(www.momandpopsicecream.com – Mankato) Mom & Pop’s opened its doors in 2012, and Shawn

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OMAR’S CAFE

(www.omarskitchencatering.com – West Concord) Owners Omar and Lori Feyen, opened Omar’s Café in 2010.

Omar is the chef, Lori and Alexa do the baking of sweets for catering, for the café, and for the Rochester Farmer’s Markets, the last 17 years. Omar creates all of the yeast breads. Some of the scratchmade dessert buffets for brunch every week at the cafe and for weddings include: fruit pies, cream pies, cheesecake, layered cakes, such as Italian cream, Buttermilk Devil’s food, Carrot, Lemon Blueberry and Raspberry Sour Cream, just to name a few. “We are available for catering for any size group, any food from Prime Rib to a taco buffet. We pride ourselves in preparing and serving homemade good food, from scratch,” said Lori.

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crisps. “The team is committed to putting their hearts and souls into their food. We are inspired by our customers and work hard to give them the best food experience possible.” – Natasha Frost

PEDAL PUSHERS CAFE (www.pedalpusherscafe.com – Lanesboro)

Since 2005, Scott and Angie Taylor have owned and operated Pedal Pushers Café. The Taylor’s signature desserts include their Apple Crisp Alamode (made with Granny Smith apples and topped with locally-made vanilla ice cream; the Dutch Rhubarb Pie (made with locally grown rhubarb - when in season - and topped with a sour cream crumble topping). From time to time, Scott and Angie offer home-made root beer floats, pecan pie/bread pudding, and their famous, flourless chocolate cake. “What sets us apart from the other restaurants is our selection of comforting favorites. We source as many ingredients as we can from local farmers throughout Minnesota. We offer some unique dishes, such as our Blackened Chicken Grain Bowl, Norwegian Meatballs, Chicken Pot Pie, and Liver and Onions,” explained the Taylors.

SUGAR ROSE BAKESHOP

(www.facebook.com/sugarrosebakeshop – New Prague) Owner and baker Jody Breathwaite prepares lots of goodies, like key lime tarts, cheesecake, sweet roulades, caramel cookie bars, raspberry oat bars, scones, coffee cakes, cupcakes, cookies and custom cakes. The key lime tarts are a sweet tart shell, baked with a key lime custard, glazed and topped with fresh whipped cream and lime zest. “Our cheesecakes are very popular, especially the fresh fruits; however, we also offer other toppings, such as cookie dough, Oreo, toffee bar, snicker bar and chocolate mousse,” said Breathwaite. Jody’s coffee cakes are vanilla, buttery cakes made with brown sugar cinnamon streusel in the middle and on the top. Others are filled with fresh seasonal fruit, caramel or chocolate. A few favorites include: brownie crumble (chocolate cupcake with fresh baked brownies on top), raspberry lemonade (lemon cupcake filled with raspberry, topped with lemon buttercream), Italian raspberry (vanilla cupcake filled with raspberry topped with a whipped Italian buttercream), root beer float (root beer infused cupcake topped with vanilla mousse), and cookie overload (chocolate cupcake with cookies and cream buttercream and topped with chocolate chip cookie dough. Jody is excited for fall, when she starts making pumpkin and apple sweet roulades, with fresh, local apples, ciders and spices. Breakfast items at the bakeshop include: scones, puff pastry turnovers, coffee cakes and occasionally muffins and pop tarts.

“What I think brings customers in repeatedly, are the freshness and variety. We bake every day, all day, and we strive to give customers what they want!” exclaimed Breathwaite.

FISHERMAN’S INN

(www.fishermaninn.com – Oronoco) Jim Peterson navigates Fisherman’s Inn, with the help of son, JJ, and daughter, Breanna. Aside from the celebrated hand-cut filets, savory Canadian walleye, succulent king crab, and the best salad bar around, the Fisherman’s Inn crew offers some of the most unrivaled ice cream after-dinner drinks anywhere. For years, people have stopped in for the minty grasshopper, or better yet, the brandy alexander. Other popular “quenchers” include the pink squirrel and the golden Cadillac. After all, who wouldn’t want to sit alongside beautiful Lake Zumbro and enjoy one of these? Whatever the season, whatever the weather, the Petersons serve-up ice cream drinks that hit the spot. Fisherman’s Inn is open year-round, seven days a week. Sunday brunch is a must, as well as regular menu offerings nightly, including the home-made soup, and salad bar. “What sets Fisherman’s Inn apart is the million-dollar view; sitting by the windows and enjoying the boats, the ice fishing, and the breathtaking ambiance”– The Peterson SMS

STRIKERS CORNER

(www.strikerscorner.com – Stewartville) Morrie and Phyllis Schutz anchor the highly successful establishment; along with supporting characters Aaron Martin, chef/kitchen manager; Shawn Helton, assistant manager; and Brandon “Boot” Verbout-Kveene, cook/dessert specialist. Boot’s cheesecake started the dessert craze at Strikers. “I incorporate fruits into my cheesecakes. Plain is very popular but Death by Chocolate, deep-fried mini doughnuts, and Rum Chata, are top-notch.” Throughout the year, Boot prepares raspberry chiffon, key lime pie with blueberry lemon whipped cream, panna cotta, lemon meringue, mint chocolate cheesecake, and sour cream raisin pie. The facility offers a full menu plus a bar/grill, sit down dining, bowling, off sale liquor, beer and wine, music (bands) 4 times/year, and weekly summer car shows.

“Since Chef Brandon started with us, he has been a wonderfully creative dessert specialist. He is always coming up with a seemingly endless choice of cheesecakes, bread puddings, and other desserts.

Brandon is certainly a key part of our kitchen’s success,” said Martin.

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WOODEN SPOON

(www.woodenspoonmn.com – Mankato) Natasha Frost is the owner of Wooden Spoon, a five-year going concern in Mankato. Natasha has a wide range of ever-changing desserts. Some of the regular, signature desserts at the Spoon include giant, fresh-baked cookies and nutty mocha bars. “Some desserts that customers ask us to make time and time again are our giant, gooey, pecan turtles, our sweet and flaky peach pie bars, our delicious rhubarb cookie sandwiches with cream cheese frosting, and our keto coconut lemon bars!” exclaimed Frost. Throughout the year, Natasha offers many different brownie combinations, bars, different flavor coffee cakes, and apple, blueberry, or rhubarb fruit

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Join us the first weekend after Labor Day.

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September 4-8, 2019

Living History! • Fast Action!

Great Entertainment!

Fun for the Whole Family!

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Soap Box Derby • Raid Re-Enactments • Music & Entertainment Center (Great Bands) • PRCA Rodeo • Sunday’s Grand Parade • DJJD Bike Tour • Classic Car Show • Exciting Arts & Crafts Fairs • Kiddie Parade • BINGO on the Square • Great Food • Antique Tractor Pull • Pedal Tractor Pull • Western Steak Fry • Carnival • Northfield HistoricalSocietyBankSiteandMuseum•5KRun&Non-competitive Walk • Thursday Night Thunder • Information Booth on Bridge Square

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Blossom Hill Orchard & Farm

‘AMAZE-ING’ FALL FUN ON THE FARMS Story by PAT GARRY Contributing Writer

F Northwoods Orchard 18

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rom pumpkin patches and harvest festivals to bountiful pick-your-own produce and cute animals, fall is the best time to visit a local Minnesota farm.

Here are some of the most popular spots to frequent, as well as a few that are a little more off the beaten track. You’ll find jams, jellies, honey, syrups, ciders, juices, pies, fudges, wagon rides, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, sunflower fields … Oh, and you might even come face-to-face with a “donut robot”. Make the short jaunt to these fun-filled farms and get in on some pickin’-and-a-grinnin’!

BLOSSOM HILL ORCHARD & FARM (www. blossomhillapples.com – Preston) Five-year owners Dane and Hillary Diede, head-up the

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family-run establishment; with “pie-making” machines Ollie and Amelia; Cari, “queen of cookies”; “shop mom” Darlene; and fall helpers Tam and Sue. Aside from numerous varieties of apples, the Diedes also offer tomatoes, melons, cucumbers, squash, and a huge pick-your-own pumpkin patch. “Our apples and veggies are organically grown. Pizza at the orchard is made from scratch dough, sauce and fresh mozzarella, all topped with local meat & vegetables from the orchard. In our retail shop and bakery, you will find our famous apple turnovers and pies,” explained Hillary.

BRAND FARM (www.brandfarmsmn.com – Farmington) Owned by Aaron Brand, the farm has been in business since 2007. When Mother Nature allows, Brand features cherries, plums, peaches, and raspberries. Additionally, pies, caramel apples, apple chips, jams, and syrups, can be found at the farm. Too, Brand has fresh eggs, beef, chickens, pies, crisps, caramel apples, apple chips, jams, syrups, and more. “We are a

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Pepin Heights Store small family-run business. Because we do not offer pick-your-own at this time, we do not have the crowds and lines. We have lots of items available to choose from, including large bins of fruit, heaping full. Stock up on your winter needs for apples, syrups, and meats. I do everything in my power to keep our Farm Store line free,” Brand said.

FIRESIDE ORCHARD & GARDENS (www.firesideorchard.com – Northfield) Todd Harvey, brother Douglas, and sister Lisa HarveyReed, are owners and operators of Fireside. Their apple selection is extensive, and the Harveys make, pasteurize and bottle their own juice. They have pies, fresh fudge, and caramel apples. “We make donuts daily, which the kids enjoy watching, as they are cranked out by the Donut Robot,” said Todd. The good folks at Fireside also grow pumpkins, gourds, and a good variety of squash in the fall. They supply fresh cranberries from Wisconsin, and there are always tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers and corn available.

They stock several lines of jam and jellies, local honey and maple syrup, salsas, relishes, and pickles. Their newly-remodeled facility boasts a new building that has extensive, outdoor, covered seating, enhanced by the beautiful, peaceful pond and rose gardens.

HAVLICEK’S VESELI VRSEK ORCHARD (www.havlicekorchard. com – Webster) Havlicek’s Orchard originated with its first planting of 150 trees in 1984 and reached 1,000 trees in about 6 years.

“We have plenty of apples, but we also sell pears and surplus vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers from our large garden,” stated Denny. Havlicek’s Orchard is a no-frills family-run orchard that sells larger quantities at very reasonable prices. The setting is also very beautiful; surrounded by woods on a hill that is one of the highest points in Scott County.

HOCH ORCHARD & GARDENS (www.hochorchard.com – LaCrescent) Jackie and Harry Hoch, co-owners, have circa 100 apple varieties, however, they grow just about every table fruit that will survive in Minnesota. It starts with strawberries and honey berries, then raspberries, cherries, apricots, plums, grapes, and finally, the apples. This is the kind of farm that can be very therapeutic. A quiet walk through the orchards and gardens, while observing the animals grazing; can be a good experience for young and old. This is a place to see how food can be produced with minimal disruption to natural systems. Come here for the tranquility and a chance to be in nature. The Hochs Orchard offers

no crowds, diesel-smoke hay rides, petting zoos, and deep-fried apple donuts.

MONTGOMERY ORCHARD (www.montgomeryorchard.com – Montgomery) Scott and Barb Wardell are owners of the 20-year orchard, which produces numerous apple varieties. They feature a 6-acre corn maze and the state’s best hayride.

Too, their unique winery boasts specialty, premium wines and hard-apple ciders. “Our orchard is a traditional destination for many Minnesota families.

People often come and spend an entire afternoon going through the corn maze, picking apples, and relaxing with a glass of our specialty ciders and wine,” said the Wardells.

Blossom Hill Orchard & Farm

NORTHWOODS ORCHARD (www.northwoodsorchard.com – Oronoco) Northwoods Orchard, with 30-some apple varieties, opened in 2002. Owners Steve, Patty and Jon Eckdahl have expanded into many other facets. “We also sell fall ornamentals for decorating, and pumpkins of every size and shape imaginable. Sometimes deciding on the perfect pumpkin can be difficult, because there are many, many options,” said Patty. The Eckdahls present two corn mazes; a small one for the younger crowd and school groups; and a larger one for teens and families. Wagon rides that take folks on scenic tours of the beautiful fall woods and lower orchard, are an overwhelming hit. Groups may reserve a gathering spot on the property’s patio, in the Backwoods Barn, or under a tent; while enjoying donuts, cider, and oodles of elaborate fare. “We also provide apple education and an animal

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area. Our goal is a low-key family-friendly outing for all ages, from the senior bus to the preschool class and families of all ages. We ask that guests leave their pets at home upon visiting, although service animals are always welcome,” Patty explained.

THE PEPIN HEIGHTS STORE (www.pepinheights.com – Lake City) The Pepin Heights Store has been a popular destination along scenic Highway 61 for decades. Owners Tom/Deb Ferguson, Andy/Ashley Ferguson, and Joe/Amanda Ferguson, supervise the quaint, country facility and property. More than just apple acreage, Pepin Heights Store boasts delicious baked goods, topnotch caramel apples, local gifts, products and décor, fresh apple

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Femlings also grow pumpkins, squash, and strawberries. “We have a large playground, a petting farm, Straw Mountain, a re-tread hill, Johnny Combine, a large spider web, and lots of swings and slides.

And make sure you check out our 15-acre corn maze,” suggested Cindy. Afton Apple Orchard is a mecca for getting some good exercise, enjoying a fall day, laughing with the family, and learning about agriculture, all at the same time. Come and get crazed by the mazes! In addition to their huge corn maze, Frank and Cindy have made some interesting enhancements to the maze area. There is a “no-left turn” straw-bale maze, a rubber hose maze and a rope maze. Come enjoy the fun and don’t miss out on the scrumptious ‘Corn’cessions! Saturday, Sep. 14 through Sunday, Oct. 29.

Pepin Heights Store

BRIDGEWATER PRODUCE FARM (www.bridgewaterproducefarm. com – Northfield) John and Else Larson head-up the family farm, located just west of Northfield, on Hwy. 19. “We grow pumpkins, squash, and gourds, which we sell at our farm stand or through our pick-your-own pumpkin patch,” Else said. Bridgewater Produce Farm has a fall festival for the five weekends leading up to Halloween (a flat $5 admittance fee gets you in the corn maze, hay ride, barrel cart train, trike derby raceway, hay pyramid, corn-box, and other family-friendly activities). The Larsons produce circa 30 varieties of pumpkins, gourds and squash on their beautiful Northfield farm; and you are sure to find perfect, unique fall decorations. You and your family can pick your own pumpkins from the patch, or simply choose from the Larson’s pre-picked pumpkins. Don’t miss this fun-filled outing!

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fall, means the world to us and we love being able to put a face to where your food comes from!” – Andy Ferguson, co-owner.

cider, pumpkins and much more. The Pepin Heights Store has a history and location that warrant a visit each fall. Its unique location along the scenic Mississippi River loop makes it a frequent stop for thousands of visitors. “My family’s favorite time of year is harvest.

Being able to share the fruits of our labor with our loyal visitors each

AFTON APPLE ORCHARD (www.aftonapple.com – Hastings) Frank and Cindy Femling have owned and operated the orchard for 30 years. Their annual apple festival this year is Sep. 28-29, Oct. 5-6 and Oct. 12-13. Magicians, demonstrations, and blue grass music are featured in the celebration. Including a plethora of apples, the

TWEITE’S FAMILY FARM (www.tweitesfamilyfarm.com – Byron) In their 31st and final season of providing family fun on the farm, Tom and Colleen Tweite celebrate the Farms’ last go-around this year.

They are open Saturday and Sunday, Sep. 21 - Oct. 20; and MEA Thursday and Friday, Oct. 17-18. “We have a 23-acre Fun Park and a 12-acre Adventure Corn Maze. In addition, there are wagon rides offered as part of the Fun Park, Combo and VIP ticket,” explained Colleen. Some of the items sold in the food court are made on the farm, including circa 27 flavors of fudge, roasted nuts, caramel apples, donuts, kettle corn, four kinds of cheese corn, caramel corn, six savory corns and 18 candy corns, to name just a few. (free parking, with no admission to the pumpkin sales area, the U-pick pumpkin patch, or the food court). SMS

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Order Online at CentralParkCoffeeCo.com Fresh Salads, Wraps, Sandwiches, and Gourmet Waffles

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Through a SoMinn Lens:

I

Photos and text by Audrey Kletscher Helbling n the bold blue waters of the Mississippi River, a red kayak skims across the surface within view of the bridge connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin. Nearby, a houseboat snugs the shoreline and a young boy follows a riverside trail with tackle box and fishing rod in hand. Also next to the river, down the hill from Hill’s Hardware

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Hank, families gather in a themed kids’ play area.

This is the setting for SeptOberfest, Wabasha’s annual two-month celebration of autumn. The historic riverside town rates as a favorite fall, or anytime, destination for me. I love the riverside location, the strong and aged architecture, the activities, the shops, the National Eagle Center, the community

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pride that define Wabasha.

Add the contrasting vibrant and earthy hues of September and October in leaves turning color and seasonal displays of pumpkins, corn shocks, scarecrows, festive banners and other dĂŠcor, and my appreciation for this town deepens even more.

Here mini and mammoth pumpkins and those crafted into characters delight me and my young granddaughter who wanders among them in The Pumpkin Patch at Heritage Park under the Mississippi River bridge.

Everything seems brighter, sharper on fall days when the sun blazes brilliant across a landscape transitioning from green to golden. Wabasha celebrates the season in a big, yet down-home, way that feels welcoming and comfortable to everyone—from couples to families to friends on a day trip get-away to shop seasonal boutiques. SeptOberfest appeals to the farm girl in me,

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CONTINUED from page 25 who embraces the scents, the sights, the colors of my favorite of Minnesota’s seasons.

FYI: For a complete listing of SeptOberfest attractions and events, go to www.wabashamn.org/septoberfest. SMS Freelancer Audrey Kletscher Helbling writes and photographs with an appreciation for small towns and the land, rooted in her upbringing on a dairy and crop farm in southwestern Minnesota. A former newspaper reporter, she holds a journalism degree and continues to pursue her creative passions through blogging at https://mnprairieroots.com/, penning poetry, photography and more.

Making Northfield HAPPIER and HEALTHIER

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The Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour presents

Vote for us for Best Coffee Shop Best Dessert Menu Best Sub/Sandwich Best Vegetarian Friendly

The Merner Mini Jazz Festival Both Concerts are at 7:00 pm

at the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour 141 6th Street NW, Faribault, MN 55021

We strive to offer our customers the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients that produce great, healthy food options. We are conscious of what we do in and to our environment and work diligently to both source and dispose responsibly responsibly.

507-334-7732 faribaultcathedral@gmail.com

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M - F 6 AM - 10 PM | Sat 7 AM - 10 PM | Sun 7 AM - 8 PM We’ve been voted Best Catering, Best Vegetarian Menu, Best Coffee House, Best Wine List, among other honors in Southern Minn.’s Scene Magazine

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Tickets kets for the Festival F al ar are $15 for both concerts.

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Saturday, September 7, 2019

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14th Annual Golden Anniversary Classic Car Show Saturday September 21st, 2019 9:00 am - 1:30 pm

Car Show Schedule Registration Information 9 am Registration Fee $10.00 9 am - 11:30 am Participation Voting 12 pm Classic Car & Marching Band Parade This includes T-shirt and tickets for drawings 12 pm - 12:30 pm Cruise Clear Lake 1 pm - 1:30 pm Awards for top 20 & Drawings Prizes 1 - week stay at Veteran’s Landing Cabins, stay at Millers B&B, Gift Certificates, and much more

• Best Lunch

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MoonFest:

A Multi-Genre Kasota Music and Arts Fest with a Big Heart for the Mankato Community

W Story by MOLLY PENNY Contributing Writer

elcome the beginning of fall with a festival alive with music and games celebrating the thriving local music scene as well as local artists and vendors, including live spray paint art and Southern Minnesota’s favorite … food trucks!

The third annual MoonFest is Saturday, Sept. 21 in Kasota. This multi-genre music festival was an all-ages event in previous years but this year it is 21-plus. The festival runs from 2 p.m. to midnight with free shuttle service and “life sized” drinking games

Our staff is caring, friendly, and professional.

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L.A. NAILS 1500 Clinton Lane Suite E Northfield, MN 55057 (507)-664-2040 Mon-Fri: 9am-8am Saturday: 9am-6pm Sunday: Closed

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which are included with your $15 ticket.

When Andy Beltz and Ryan Rutjes, co-founders of Modest Music LLC, were approached to do a hip hop show at the Blue Moon Bar and Grill in Kasota in 2017, they wanted do something more. Rather than just playing a single show, the Mankato based hip hop artists, who preform together as the group act RxB (Revi and BELTZ) , set out to put on an entire festival that celebrated the local art and music of Minnesota all while raising funds for the community.

Beltz expressed his gratitude for being welcomed into the music scene with open arms.

“It’s been a big blessing,” he said. “I mean there have been so many of the elders in the community that have brought us into it. You know, they never turn a hand on anybody.”

The Modest Music LLC record label was officially founded by Beltz and Rutjes in 2018 with an emphasis on creating a support for local artists committed to giving back to the community.

“Money we raise from things, we always try to give back with” said Beltz, also known by his stage name, BELTZ. This means everything from investing in local arts to any charitable organization that they can donate to. While the label consists of mainly hip hop acts, it is not just hip hop that you are going to find at MoonFest.

Since the first year of the festival it has been about bringing together a variety of genres. “The thing about Mankato,” Beltz said, “is all genres work together very well.

They support each other. It is more about the art than it is even the style of music.”

Last year, the festival gained a bit of name recognition when they booked widely recognized Minneapolis rapper, P.O.S., as the headliner. The crowd had doubled from their inaugural year despite it being 87 degrees and 100% humidity. Unpredictable weather is part of why they decided to move the festival back a week further into September.

Making it 21 plus allows them to go later into the evening as well. Even though the headliner was a hip hop artist they stuck with the tradition of having multiple genres including Satori Violet belly dancers; “As much as we can involve different arts that are in our community, that’s the way to do it” Betz added. This year features live

spray paint art from local artist Michael Cimino and Look At This Artist.

MoonFest 2019 starts at 2 p.m . with free shuttle service from Miller Motors in downtown Mankato at 104 Minnesota St. every hour, on the hour, going to and from The Blue Moon Bar and Grill.

There will also be parking a block away from the venue.

Music starts at 2:30 p.m. The lineup features folk singer/songwriter Tanner Peterson, Alec John and the Sky Surfers which is an indie surf rock band with a reggae vibe, indie punk rockers and Mankato natives, Goodnight Gold Dust, synth band Beige Interior, Mankato’s Nirvana cover band Nearvana, guitar driven rock singer/songwriter Dave Sandersfeld who has performed all over the state including the Minnesota State Fair, Mankato rapper Rellium Prime, Denham and the Brick House Boys, and Kashy with DJ Shawn Who. All of the artists on the Modest Music LLC record label are collaborating as headliners. The set will include Revi , BELTZ, Beertè, Hazrdos, Nigel T, and Yuwish bringing the festival to an exciting close.

From wardrobe to stage antics, the guys of Modest Music LLC know how to go a little “extra” for a show, but they are stepping it up a notch for MoonFest.

“This year,” says Beltz, “with having us as the headliner, we knew we had to create something special. We have created a complete theatrical performance, so it’s like you are coming to a musical play. We are taking it levels above anything we have ever done before.”

Grab tickets by heading to their website modestmusicmn.com or find MoonFest on Facebook to be linked to their EventBrite page.

Physical tickets can also be purchased at Blue Moon Bar & Grill in Kasota, Miller Motors and Rush Liquor in Mankato or at the door the day of the show. SMS

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I

f you can’t find something (from a gazillion or so food choices!) to eat at the Minnesota State Fair, you’re not doing things right.

“The Great Get-Together,” as it’s dubbed, is North America’s largest Fair based on attendance. More than 2 million people went through the gates last year, setting a new record. But attendance has a history of creeping up every year. Maybe yet another record will be set during its run this year, set for Aug. 22-Sept. 2.

The Fair has something for everyone: rides, music, grandstand shows, exhibits, cheesy items sold by interesting (to say the least) vendors, politicians, the ability to be on the set of local TV stations’ newscasts, listening live to the public radio shows, educational exhibits (so many exhibits!), arts and crafts, baked goods, flowers, canned goods, animals (many of them, including just-born ones in the Miracle of Birth building), rides, yardsticks and swag bags, and so much more (including life-sized carvings of the heads of the 11 state-wide Dairy Princesses and the Princess Kay of the Milky Way – each made from a 90-pound block of butter).

And the people-watching is amazing. When there are between 100,000 and 200,000 people at an event during any given day, you’re going to be able to see all kinds – all shapes, sizes, colors – wearing all types of clothing (sometimes, little of it). A couple of the streets have little rises and dips – during the height of the day, it literally looks like a river of people flowing and moving in front of you as far as you can see.

To many people, though, the biggest attraction is the food. There are about 300 food stands, with about 500 menu offerings throughout the Fairgrounds. Some food is healthy; some of it is overthe-top. There are two things we often say about our State Fair food – if you can put it on a stick or deep fry it (or even better, deep fry it ON a stick), you’ll find it at the Fair.

When my husband and I go to the Fair, we don’t go crazy, but we definitely eat our fair share (pun intended) of food. We have very different tastes in food, so we both end up satisfied every year. He goes for spicy – the hotter, the better. I go for not spicy.

We don’t generally eat the deep fried foods (on a hot day – which it seems like it always is when we go – it doesn’t end up tasting all that great to us).

I generally stick with a few classics – a fresh-roasted ear of corn (fun fact: more than 25,000 ears of corn are

New Foods to Add to Your Traditional Favorites 32

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roasted, slathered in butter and served at the corn roast booth each day), a cream puff filled with real Minnesota cream, a pickle dog (a pickle covered with cream cheese and wrapped in pastrami), and maybe a grilled pork chop. Before we leave for the day, we pick up a bucket of Sweet Martha’s chocolate chip cookies to take home (another fun fact: Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar sells the most items each year, producing about 3 million cookies a day).

Each year, there are several new food items and vendors. Some of them sound pretty amazing! They are all listed below. Since even one dish can span a variety of categories, I’ve shared the food categories they might belong to (in my opinion). For example, a couple or dishes might be considered International AND deep fried AND savory. Depending on what you like, this can help you narrow down your choices among the hundreds that are available.

Just like it’s a good idea to go grocery shopping when you’re hungry (so you don’t end up with a cart of random food you had no intention of buying), it might be a good idea to put down this issue for a few minutes right now and grab a bite to eat.

Otherwise, the descriptions of these foods might cause such hunger that you end up eating this copy of SoMinn Scene. That would be bad – your tummy might hurt, and how will you remember all the won-

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derful foods you have every intention of trying at your visit to this year’s Fair?

NEW FOODS: Bada Bing Sandwich Italian-inspired warm flatbread sandwich with ham, salami, melted mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, fresh basil and creamy balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

The Sandwich Stop, west side of Clough St. between Carnes & Judson Avenues International, meat Blueberry Key Lime Pie Blueberry Key lime filling in a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream and fresh blueberries.

Farmers Union Coffee Shop, north side of Dan Patch Ave. between Cooper & Cosgrove Streets Dessert, sweet Boozy Berries & ‘Barb Trifle Five-layer cold trifle with vanilla pound cake, lemon curd, Cannon River Gris wine and blueberry compote, more pound cake and Gris and rhubarb compote, topped with mint-infused fresh whipped cream and Gris and blueberry coulis.

The Hideaway Speakeasy, in the Veranda, Grandstand upper level, northwest section Dessert, sweet Breakfast Potato Skin Deep-fried potato skin stuffed with scrambled eggs and peppers, topped with blackened beef chislic – a South Dakota bar food staple – and drizzled with bearnaise sauce.

The Blue Barn, at West End Market, south of the History & Heritage Center Deep-fried, breakfast, meat Carnitas Taco Cone Carnitas with a sesame-garlic ginger sauce, cabbage, lime and queso fresco, topped with green onion and sour cream and served in a deep-fried cone-shaped tortilla.

San Felipe Tacos, in the Food Building, east wall International, deep-fried Carolina Pit-Smoked Brisket Taco Beef brisket pit-smoked over hickory charcoal, shredded and topped with smoked Gouda cheese, a pickled kale crunch made with kale, Brussels sprouts, carrots, radicchio, napa and red cabbage, with a drizzle of BBQ sauce; served in a flour tortilla with tortilla chips.

Shanghaied Henri's, at the International Bazaar, north wall Meat, savory Cheesy Sriracha Funnel Cake Bites Bite-sized funnel cake pieces infused with a blend of Parmesan, Romano and mozzarella cheeses, deep-fried and finished with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar and

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chives, and served with homemade Sriracha aioli dipping sauce. Ranch or garlic butter dipping sauce is also available.

North side of Dan Patch Ave. between Nelson & Underwood Streets Deep-fried, spicy Cuban Fusion Fajita Carnitas-style roast pork, deli-sliced ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles and Juanita’s Fajitas’ signature mustard folded into a flour tortilla.

Juanita's Fajitas, west of Nelson St. just south of the Grandstand International, meat Deep-Fried Dilly Dog Pickle stuffed with bratwurst, dipped in batter and deep-fried.

Swine & Spuds, in the Warner Coliseum, east side Deep-fried, meat Duck Drummies Duck wings coated in a batter and seasoning blend, deep-fried and served with Giggles’ own tequila lime dipping sauce.

Giggles' Campfire Grill, southeast corner of Lee Ave. & Cooper St. at The North Woods Deep-fried, meat, savory Feta Bites Deep-fried Greek pasta dough stuffed with feta cheese, cream cheese and Dino’s Greek seasoning. Served with a creamy olive tapenade.

Dino's Gyros, north side of Carnes Ave. between Nelson & Underwood Streets International, deep-fried, savory Fried Tacos On-A-Stick Two stuffed tacos – one filled with green chorizo and potatoes and one filled with a vegetarian black bean and corn mix – deep-fried, topped with crumbled cheese and a drizzle of guacamole

salsa and served on-astick. (Aug. 28-Sept. 2 only) Midtown Global Market's Taco Cat, in the Taste of the Midtown Global Market booth at the International Bazaar, east wall Deep-fried, meat, vegetarian, savory

between Liggett & Chambers Streets Meat, savory

waffle wraps: Pebbles & Bam Bam with warm Reese’s chocolate peanut butter cups and fruity cereal; and Waffle Al Pastor made with Mexicanstyle marinated pork, pineapple, onions, cilantro and salsa verde.

Nordic Waffles, at West End Market, southwest section Breakfast, meat, dessert, savory

Lamb T-Bone Chops All-natural, 100% grassfed grilled lamb loins seasoned with Mama Fatima’s Holy Land Marinade.

Holy Land, at the International Bazaar, southeast corner International, meat

Halo Cone A swirled blend of cotton candy and blue raspberry soft serve ice cream in a halo of vanilla cotton candy and sprinkled with a mix of candy toppings.

Rainbow Ice Cream, in the Grandstand, upper level, east section, near the stairs tower Dessert, sweet

Peaches n’ Cream Nachos A bed of cinnamon sugar pita chips with Bridgeman’s Peaches n’ Cream ice cream, peach topping, a drizzle of honey and crushed pecans, finished with whipped cream, a cherry and a dusting of cinnamon sugar.

Bridgeman's Ice Cream, northeast corner of Judson Ave. & Liggett St. Dessert, sweet

Lavender Lemonade Pink lemonade made with fresh lavender leaves.

Farmers Union Coffee Shop, north side of Dan Patch Ave. between Cooper & Cosgrove Streets Beverage

The Hot Hen BBQ chips topped with smoked pulled buffalo chicken, blue cheese fondue, pickled jalapeños, tomatoes, green onions and blue cheese crumbles.

RC's BBQ, north side of West Dan Patch Ave. between Liggett & Chambers Streets Meat, spicy Irish Whiskey Boneless Wings All-natural white chicken chunks, breaded, deepfried, tossed in Irish whiskey BBQ sauce and garnished with chopped scallions. Gluten-free.

O'Gara's at the Fair, southwest corner of Dan Patch Ave. & Cosgrove St. Meat, gluten-free, deep-fried Jamm’in Brisket Grilled Cheese Slow-smoked brisket, red onion jam, cheddar and pepper jack cheeses and RC’s hot BBQ sauce.

RC's BBQ, north side of West Dan Patch Ave.

Mini Donut Latte A traditional latte with house-made mini donut flavoring, whole milk and espresso topped with a dusting of cinnamon and sugar.

The Anchor Coffee House, west side of Underwood St. between Carnes & Judson Avenues outside Ramberg Music Café Beverage No Bologna Coney Italian mortadella pork sausage flavored with pistachios and Mancini’s pepper blend, served on a buttered and toasted split-top bun, and topped with mild muffuletta olive and pepper salad.

Mancini's al Fresco, north side of Carnes Ave. between Nelson & Underwood Streets Meat, savory Nordic Waffles in Pebbles & Bam Bam and Al Pastor varieties Two new fresh-made

Snow Cap Mini Waffle Sundae Mini waffle topped with a scoop of Izzy’s cream cheese ice cream, warm real maple syrup and a maraschino cherry.

Hamline Church Dining Hall, north side of Dan Patch Ave. between Underwood & Cooper Streets Dessert, sweet Tailspin Tangy BBQ sauce drizzled on top of french-fried onions and fresh-made coleslaw, layered over pulled pork, elote, Oaxaca cheese and peppery spices – all on a seasoned hash brown waffle.

The Hangar, at the North End, southwest section Meat, savory Tipsy Pecan Tart Pecan pie infused with Dubliner Irish Whiskey and baked in a buttery shortbread shell. Glutenfriendly.

Sara's Tipsy Pie, in the Food Building, south wall Gluten-friendly, dessert

CONTINUED page 34

Vintage Escapes Winery & Vineyard Hours: Fridays 3-9pm, Saturdays 12-9pm, Sundays 12-5pm.

Upcoming live music and events: 8/18 @ 1-4pm - Live Music - Mike Munson 8/24 @ 2-5pm - Live Music - Miss Myra 9/7 @ 2-5pm - Live Music - Lonesome Dan 9/15 @ 11am - Paint & Sip 9/21 @ 2-5pm - Live Music - Jake Illika • Located in Minnesota’s stunning lake country.

• Wine crafted from locally- grown fruit.

• Vintage inspired tasting room and beautiful patio with a great view.

8950 Dodd Rd, Kilkenny, MN 56052 A d d y o u r e v e n t f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

Like and find us on: Best Local Wine/Spirit; Best Patio

Check website for the latest on upcoming music and events www.VintageEscapesWinery.com

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33

Best 20

7TH ANNUAL

19

of

SOUTHERN Minn

CONTINUED from page 33 Turkish Pizza A Turkish-style crackerthin flatbread, authentically named Lahmacun, topped with spicy minced beef, onion, tomato, lettuce, cucumber salad, parsley, fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon and garlic sauce, then rolled or folded.

Blue Moon Dine-In Theater, northeast corner of Carnes Ave. & Chambers St. International, meat, savory Warm Cheesecake Tart Cheesecake in a tart crust served warm with choice of chocolate, salted caramel or strawberry glaze or without topping.

LuLu's Public House, at West End Market, south of Schilling Amphitheater Dessert, sweet

NEW VENDORS: Blue Ox Burger Bar: • Build-your-own burgers - hamburgers, cheeseburgers and bacon cheeseburgers (with ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, pickles and more); • Breakfast sandwiches (sausage or bacon with egg and cheese on a toasted English muffin); • Crinkle-cut fries; • Tater tots; • Assorted beverages.

Located on the southeast corner of Judson Avenue and Clough Street Meat, breakfast, beverages Brim: • Grilled Sota Sandwich (cinnamon nut butter and Minnesota blueberry marmalade served warm on glutenfree Irish soda bread); • Joey Mary (iced coffee slushie topped with a skewer of glutenfree baked goods); • Coffee slushies; • Brewed coffee; • Blueberry lemonade; • Mint green lemonade. Flavorings and colors made with organic and natural ingredients.

Located at the North End, northwest section Breakfast, gluten-free, beverages, baked goods Funky Grits: • Shrimp & Grits Fritters (aged cheddar grits, gulf shrimp, onions and Creole seasoning, deepfried and served with aioli dipping sauce); glutenfree.

• Also selling bottles of Cry Baby Craig’s hot sauce.

Located in the Food Building, east wall Gluten-free, deep-fried, savory Kora's Cookie Dough: • Deep-fried chocolate chip cookie dough topped with powdered sugar and

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chocolate drizzle; • Cookie dough ona-stick in five flavors: classic chocolate chip, Grandma’s sugar cookie, monster cookie, Reese’s peanut butter, and Oreo fudge.

• All five flavors can be dipped in chocolate, white chocolate, peanut butter or butterscotch chips and rolled in sprinkles or peanuts.

• Sugar cookie variety is vegan-friendly.

Located on south side of Dan Patch Avenue between Cooper and Cosgrove Streets Deep-fried, dessert, sweet, vegan-friendly iPierogi: • Stuffed cabbage rolls (cabbage leaves wrapped around seasoned ground pork and rice, prepared with tomato sauce and served with a dinner roll); • Pierogies in three varieties (meat, potato and cheese, and meat/potato/cheese combination, garnished with bacon and caramelized onion and served with sour cream and arugula on the side; vegetarian option on request); • Polish sausages (with homemade sauerkraut); and • Blintzes (sweet cheese rolls sprinkled with powdered sugar and drizzled with chocolate syrup).

Located in the Food Building, south wall International, savory, meat, vegetarian, dessert, sweet Strawberries ‘n Crème: • Fresh strawberries with non-dairy whipped topping; and • Fresh-brewed iced tea with strawberry flavoring.

Located on the southwest corner of Randall Avenue & Underwood Street Dessert, beverage Thelma’s Handmade Ice Cream Sandwiches: • 10 varieties of ice cream sandwiches made with two cookies and ice cream: Snickerdoodle, chocolate chip, cayenne chocolate chip, strawberry sugar cookie, banana peanut butter, mint double chocolate chip, double chocolate chip, chocolate peanut butter, s’mores, and gluten-free snickerdoodle.

Located on the southeast corner of Judson Avenue and Underwood Street Dessert, sweet Is your mouth watering yet? Mine sure is!

There are so many new options, and so little time. I definitely might have to try the blueberry key lime pie, the lavender lemonade, the stuffed cabbage rolls, the shrimp and grits fritters, the grilled Sota sandwich, and maybe a few more.

Hmmmm … How can I fit all that in, plus my traditional tried-and-true favorites?

Maybe we’ll go to the Fair two days this year!

Hope to see you there, enjoying every tasty morsel you desire. SMS Beth Forkner Moe is the Editor of Southern Minn Girlfriends Magazine, and a nonprofit/small business consultant and freelance writer. You can learn more about her at www.EnvisionItTogether.com

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PATTERN: Ian Laird Ian is a Lighting Specialist and designer at The Design Element, located in the Mankato Design Center. He can help you with all your lighting and design needs from planning to product selection.

T

he use of patterns in décor ebb and flow just as the concepts in art and fashion come and go. Patterns, however minimal, exist in every interior space and in every type of design. Certain products act as greater resources than others when incorporating these patterns into everyday life. Some products lend to providing quick bursts of pattern whereas others are “sewn into” the overall design. Whether the pattern is minutely simplistic or overwhelmingly obtuse, there is always a pattern of some sort in the room and it’s the play of these patterns that create cohesion.

Sitting down and figuring out where and how you want pattern is the first step. Perhaps you want to start with the overall pattern concept of the room: shapes. Clean lines and simple shapes reference a modern or minimalistic approach to pattern. Organic shapes are typically associated with a more traditional style or shape.

An eclectic mix of both concepts is also quite common. Mixing the hard-lined edge of the modern with the organic shape of the

traditional is a balancing act within the space and where to start and stop is often the question.

Incorporating pattern into your basic building materials requires more forethought during the building process than your “final finish” materials. How you lay the planks of your wood floor, how you lay the large format porcelain tiles in the bathroom, how you lay the ceramic tile on your kitchen backsplash, and even how you lay the siding on your house creates patterns with shapes that have to be considered when thinking of an overall design. Creating a pattern with materials shouldn’t be confused with using patterned material to create a composition within the room, but they are intrinsically linked.

The type of pattern and how the pattern is used changes, but patterns themselves typically remain classic. Things are refreshed as new colors become trendy and the mix of these trendy colors with the new, trendy pattern create fresh appearances. Sometimes the patterns start trending again as large patterns when at first they were used as small patterns and vice versa. This is a simple way to reference a certain period with interior décor, but it can also make it apparent when I a room is in drastic need of an update. Just as one’s use of language changes over time to fit accepted social stances so, too, do the ideas of design.

Wallpaper, art, rugs, pillows, blankets, backsplash tile, entryway tile, and bathroom tile (just to name a few) are simple ways of incorporating patterns into everyday life. Tile, although it can be the most difficult to change, has so many options for adding

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pattern; whether you use an interesting shape and then have a matching grout for a subtler take on the pattern or a contrasting grout for a bold statement. There are even larger format tiles with patterns drawn or printed directly on them. Only when multiple tiles are placed together do you get the larger, overall pattern. These are typically 8” by 8” and come in a multitude of colors.

For a bolder statement, there are companies now that have local designers add their own work to ready-made case goods such as pillows, wall art, rugs, bath mats, and even tables and credenzas via digital printing techniques.

This is a great way to bring in a bold pattern without investing in an entirely new floor or redoing an entire section of a room. You can just order a throw blanket and a coffee table with the pattern instead!

Unique patterns can be difficult to find. Big box stores often have collections arranged with specific and easily sellable patterns put with like-items for the casual consumer. But, what happens when you want something more? Not only do design firms, such as The Design Element, have access to a larger array of product but they have designers to assist with making the product make sense in your home. Sifting through the patterned tile SPONSORED BY selections alone would keep one busy The Design Element for days! Having a designer gives you 1711 Premier Drive the product and the confidence to exMankato, MN ecute your planned project with careful 507.345.8708 consideration.

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THE Calendar Compiled

By Anne Kopas editor@southernminnscene.com

An Evening with Garrison Keillor

in Mankato. LGBT+ people (and allies) are invited to get loud and proud for three days of events, starting with “Queeraoke” on Friday, a food/vendor festival on Saturday, a Saturday night dance party and Sunday afternoon youth party. On Saturday morning, there’s a pride parade, and visitors are free to march by themselves or with a float (pre-registration required) or simply watch. Events are free, and Saturday morning/afternoon activities are open to all ages. scmnpride.org/festival

7:30 p.m. August 24, Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault

Radio legend Garrison Keillor is coming to town, accompanied by renowned pianist Richard Dworsky, former music director for “A Prairie Home Companion.” Enjoy a nostalgic night of laughter and music as Keillor performs classic folk and love songs, recites poetry and engages in a bit of banter. And yes, you might even hear the latest news from Lake Wobegon. This is an intimate show in a smaller venue, so be sure to get your tickets before they’re gone.

through the grounds on a horse-drawn wagon. There’s also a flea market to wander, and live music throughout the entire weekend. ricecountysteamandgas.com

paradisecenterforthearts.org

Rock Bend Folk Festival September 7-8, St. Peter

Defeat of Jesse James Days September 4-8, Northfield

Austin Artworks Festival August 24-25, Austin Area Arts, Austin Austin’s eighth annual Artworks Festival celebrates everything arts: written, musical, visual and anything in between. This year’s featured artist is Rory Wakemup, whose work will be on display in the Austin ArtWorks Center gallery. Enjoy family-friendly performances and displays, or try out some art for yourself with hands-on demonstrations.

The two-day festival draws both locally and nationally known artists, plus as many as 10,000 visitors from across the state.

For a few days each year, Northfield goes all out to celebrate the time townspeople stopped notorious outlaw Jesse James and his gang from robbing the bank. Get your fill of bank-raid reenactments complete with rough-riding “outlaws” making their way through town every few hours, alongside your fill of classic carnival food, rides for kids and a variety of entertainment for the whole family. Plus, there’s a rodeo, arts festival, craft show, beer garden, parade and a weekend full of fun and games.

Prairie Winds Kite Fly

Rice County Steam and Gas Engine Show This annual event, held Labor Day weekend, showcases a variety of antique tractors, vintage farm equipment and classic cars, plus steam and gas engines of yesteryear. Explore the past through the 1920s farmhouse, sawmill and blacksmith’s shop, and take a ride

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rockbend.org

Djjd.org

Austinareaarts.org

August 30-September 1 Dundas showgrounds, Dundas

Since 1991, the Rock Bend Folk Festival has drawn as many as 10,000 annual visitors from all across the Midwest. Dozens of bands and performers, including Captain Gravitone & The String Theory Orchestra, Jaedyn James & The Hunger, Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre, The Heavy Set and more. Also, don’t miss shows by fire eaters and the Minnesota Zoomobile. The best part is that it’s all free; all you need to bring is your lawn chair for an afternoon or evening (or two full days) of activities and music.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. September 7 Jackson Municipal Airport, Jackson

Mankato Pridefest September 6-8, Mankato South Central Minnesota Pride, the area’s organization promoting LGBT+ visibility and support, hosts its 18th annual pride festival

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Join in the free family fun as professional kite flyers (yes, it’s a thing) from seven states bring out their giant show kites for a day of low-tech aviation. Visitors are also invited to take their own kites for a spin, and kites will also be available for sale on the grounds. Kids can take part in kite-making and a candy drop, scavenger hunt, as well as bol races, where participants run a foot race while attached to parachute-like kites, fighting the drag. jacksonmn.com

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arts activities like face painting, make-and-take arts classes and more.

Throughout the day, the stage will be lively with performances by improv comedy groups, slam poets, dancers and musicians. In the evening, headliners Liz Draper Jazz Trio, Debby Anthony and Jaedyn James & the Hunger take the stage. It’s an all-day outlet for your creative needs. medcityartsfestival.com

Jim Avett 3-6 p.m. September 8 The Music Space of Owatonna Jim Avett, father of The Avett Brothers, live in concert at The Music Space of Owatonna. This will be Jim Avett’s first ever concert in Minnesota, and is part of an exclusive fall tour of small venues.

The concert is two weeks before the Avett Brothers and Trampled by Turtles gather for their own concert in Minnesota. facebook.com/musicspaceowatonna

Dožínky Festival & Car Cruise

required — the suggested donation is up to you. At 8 p.m., rootsy American rock & roll band Tina and the B Sides hits the stage and takes the party to the next level. sheldontheatre.org/events

September 21, New Prague A classic Czech festival comes to Southern Minnesota each year for a full weekend of giving thanks for the year’s harvest. Sample traditional Czech food, enjoy Czech music and dancing, and browse Czech vendors — or simply spend a weekend with a beer and good food while watching a parade or wandering displays of cars and farm equipment both modern and old-fashioned. Whether you claim Czech heritage or not, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the culture. newprague.com/events/dozinky-festival

Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical September 13-25, 19-22 Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault Take a trip to turn-of-the-century New York City for the energetic musical Newsies, based on the 1992 film of the same name. The film was initially considered a box office bomb — but much like the newsies of its title, its loyal following rallied and the stage musical went on to win two Tony Awards. The story follows charismatic newsboy Jack Kelly and his band of “newsies” as they go on strike to fight rising distribution prices, protesting in favor of unfair conditions for newsies across the city. paradisecenterforthearts.org/paradise-community-theater

10 a.m. September 14, Rochester Get ready for a full day of art: visual, musical and whatever else you can think of. Put your skills to the test in an abstract paint-off and others art competitions for kids and adults, or enjoy non-competitive

12-10 p.m. September 21 North Mankato Prepare for the first day of autumn with this celebration of German heritage, food and, of course, beer in historic North Mankato.

Sample both global beer varieties and local brands brewed in Mankato, and have the ceremonial “first beer” with city officials.

The Avett Brothers and Trampled By Turtles 7 p.m. September 21 Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Welch Minnesota’s very own Trampled By Turtles makes its way down from Duluth this fall to play a show along fellow folk-rockers The Avett Brothers. Both groups have earned both audience popularity and awards show/chart nods — three of Trampled by Turtles’ eight albums reached the top spot on the U.S. Billboard chart, and the group has toured internationally. The Avett Brothers have nabbed three Grammy nominations since 2013, with four wins in the Americana Music Awards. This will be an outdoor concert not to miss.

Stay for a day full of music, food vendors, a bean bag toss and other activities, both German-themed and not. This is a free, 21-plus event.

Ticasino.com

businessonbelgrade.org/events

Waseca Marching Band Classic

Sheldon Fete: House Party 2.0 Med City Arts Festival

Bier on Belgrade

September 21, downtown Waseca

6:30 p.m. September 20 Sheldon Theatre, Red Wing The theater’s new performance season kicks off with an all-ages party like you’ve never seen at the Sheldon. Guests can hang out all evening house-party style throughout the theater, including a few nooks and crannies normally closed to the public. Explore each room to find art activities, music, food, karaoke and more. No tickets

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Take in a days’ worth of performances by the area’s best high school musicians, all competing for the top title. Over a dozen bands are currently signed up. Plus, activities and events like a classic car cruise and a midday parade add some variety to the day. Stick around until after the awards ceremony and you’ll also be treated to

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On Friday and Saturday, local guides will take visitors out on Mississippi River canoe trips, exploring the lands and waters near Prairie Island. Despite the name, the festival aims to cover a variety of musical genres, so there’s something for everyone. This year’s lineup includes nearly 40 bands and artists: Charlie Parr, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, Dustbowl Revival, Shook Twins, Lindsay Lou and more. boatsandbluegrass.com

Legacy goLf

1515 Shumway ave. faribault, MN 55021

T

507-332-7177 www.Legacygolf.net

he Legacy in Faribault, Minnesota is a 6,500-yard, 18-hole Championship facility with a course rating of 71.5 – slope 136. The Legacy project, which includes over 100 uniquely different golf community home sites, was started in the early 1990’s. The golf course designed by nationally accredited golf architect Garret Gill opened for play in 1998. The Legacy is a public course which offers yearly memberships, corporate outings, competitive tournaments, leagues, Jr. golf programs, lesson programs, practice facilities, PGA Professional, pro-shop, golf cart rental, club rental, snack bar and world class service. The golf course as described in the 1998 Minnesota Golfer Magazine has three kinds of holes. The center of the course is slightly hilly, with classic tree lined fairways. To the North, rolling topography is punctuated with prairie grasses, creating Scottish style links. And in the South, there are beautiful vistas with the internationally known college prep school Shattuck-St. Mary’s in the background.

a fireworks display. Relive your high school memories, or just come out to enjoy good music by talented young musicians. For the full performance schedule, check the website closer to the day of the event.

Wasecamarchingclassic.com

Boats & Bluegrass

rATes/PoLICIes/AMeNITIes 9 holes weekday $20 Weekend/Holiday $21 18 holes weekday $31 Weekend/holiday $33 9 hole cart $12 per person 18 holes $17 per person

September 26-29 Prairie Island Campground, Winona

Course sTATIsTICs 6500 yard championship golf course with multiple tee boxes for all types of abilities

Jesus Christ Superstar September 27-October 13 Mankato Playhouse, Mankato Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic rock opera about the final days of Jesus Christ hits the Mankato area this fall for the inaugural show at the Mankato Playhouse, which just opened this summer. Enjoy dinner and a show featuring the biblical characters of Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, Pilate and the Apostles, with a little more of a rock edge than you saw in your Sunday school classes. The musical earned several Tony Award nominations when it debuted in 1971, and has continued to capture in the interest of audiences worldwide since then. mankatoplayhouse.com

Celebrating 15 years this September, this festival combines a few of Minnesota’s best qualities: good music and good boating.

sTAFF/PersoNNeL • General Manager/PGA Golf Professional Mark Fitzenberger • Golf Course Superintendent Phil Jones • Food and Beverage Manager/Event Coordinator Wendy Olsen

rock bend folk festival

national and local music, art, and food!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 & SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

MINNESOTA SQUARE PARK

M I N N E S OTA

FREE

2019

ST.PETER

rockbend.org BE TH ERE. I N TH E SQUARE!

ST. PETER

CHAMBER OF carl and verna schmidt f o u n d at i on

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COMMERCE

Billy Steiner & Ron Arsenault • Captain Gravitone & The String Theory Orchestra • Becky Kapell Band • City Mouse & Friends • Roe Family Singers • Western Centuries •Aaron Kamm & the One Drops • Bruce Davis • Jaedyn James & the Hunger • Minnesota Zoo • The Divers • Pete Bloedel • Kit Kildahl • Bad Liquor Management • Harrison Street Band •Jon Romer • Pushing Chain • Zorongo - Flamenco Dance Theatre • Orkestr Bez Ime • The Heavy Set • Erik Koskinen • Lush Country• Classical Wind with Jon Romer & Mike Tangen • Andrea Lynn • Boyd Blomberg • Joe Nolan • Kaleb Braun-Schultz

The 2019 Rock Bend Folk Festival is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund and by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. A grant from the Saint Peter Area Tourism and Visitors Bureau. A grant from the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation. Donations from local contributors.

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FREE for all-ages! Bring your coolers & chairs, but your dog has to stay home.

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Over 73 Years of Pappas Family Ownership!

Have Your Reception at the O w a t o n n a

Country Club

Restaurant of the Year

Superb Cuisine since 1854

The Hubbell House first opened as a stagecoach stop in 1854. Paul Pappas laid his eyes on the old limestone structure in 1946 and knew he had found the location of his dream restaurant.

Although times have changed, Early-American hospitality is still available in Mantorville.

502 North Main Street, Mantorville, MN | 507.635.2331

(25 Miles East on HWY 14, to Kasson Exit, then 2 miles North on HWY 57)

Reservations Recommended | www.hubbellhouserestaurant.com

Unforgettable Full Service Venue

Best Event Center Best Golf Course

Vote for us for Southern Minn’s vote for us

southernminnscene.com!

• Best Breakfast • Best Dessert Menu

1101 Hoffman Drive, Owatonna

507-451-2585

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Owatonna Country Club Open to the Public 1991 Lemond Road | Owatonna Julia Seykora Director of Sales & Membership 507-451-6120 julias@owatonnacc.com w w w . o w a t o n n a c c . c o m

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Photographing SoMinn:

Discover two MN gems:

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Photos and text by Elizabeth Nida Obert www.nidaphoto.com elizabeth@nidaphoto.com

M

y college reunion in the town of Northfield was complete and I was feeling less than refreshed following a night of forced sleep in a campus dorm room.

What one won’t do for a taste of nostalgia.

My husband was also a bit groggy.

Maybe a Sunday hike would do us some good?

Nerstrand Big Woods State park – created in 1945 -- was a natural choice. Located about 13 miles south of Northfield, the park was conveniently en route back to Rochester.

We had once visited the park when the forested autumn tapestry was rich in brilliant shades of gold and red. Now everything was green.

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Hiking options were abundant and unfamiliar but marked paths, including the Basswood Trail, lead to such treasures as Wild Geraniums and Hidden Falls; children and dogs splashed in the waters of Prairie Creek on our June visit.

It was the 4thof July and, despite the soaring temperatures, we decided to hike another Minnesota gem a bit closer to home.

Whitewater State Park, located in Altura, is a vast 2,700 acres. Deep ravines and limestone bluffs make it a popular park to explore. The Whitewater River and Trout Run Creek draw anglers and a swimming beach provides a cool respite from summer heat and humidity.

Hiking boots, fishing pole, swimsuit and camera…..you’re all set. SMS Freelance writer and photographer Elizabeth Nida Obert, a former newspaper staff photographer for 18 years, has degrees in both and is passionate about telling stories in words and pictures. She thrives on travel and adventure and is always looking forward to where the next open road – or door – will lead.

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&

Whitewater State Park

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ALBUM REVIEW

By Daniel G. Moir editor@southernminnscene.com

A

n uneven meditation on the messy complexities of relationships that occasionally moves into interesting sonic textures, but without much depth.

Album Grade: C

Banks III

On her third full release, the Southern Californian singer attempts to navigate the transitions taking place in complex relationships and their attendant emotions. The pathway from romantic idealist to those of a fully-formed person, with a mature understanding of the bonds that make and break the soul, are something that every person goes through, so Banks embarks on a journey with universal appeal. As is such with life, this exploration comes with both satisfying and disappointing results.

Banks possesses neither a distinct, nor unusual singing voice. The frail vulnerability of her delivery compares to the indistinct tonal qualities of artists like Kimbra, Selena Gomez, Khalid or The Weeknd, whom she had previously served as an opening act.

This is not to say that her vocal sound is bad, it is just not what makes III a worthwhile listening experience. Although her voice IS generic, it is the sense of sonic soundscapes used that gives III the uniqueness that eludes her vocal chords. Beats are distorted and squashed, unexpected electronic swirls dart seemingly out of nowhere and instrumental accompaniment is varied and unpredictable, giving III a roller coaster-like listening experience.

The light R&B sound of “Sawzall” illustrates this perfectly. The title of the song itself is intriguing and unusual, much like the album. A sawzall is a reciprocating tool in which the cutting actions are achieved through the push-and-pull action of the blade. A gentle piano riff descends and falls away before breaking to a gentle guitar figure as Banks’ voice illustrates the inevitable questions that follow a broken relationship. It is a search for explanation and truth. Unlike most break-up songs, this one perseverates over the gives and takes of the relationship before concluding that perhaps it wasn’t just that the couple “wasn’t meant to be,” but rather that the other person was suffering from a depression that no relationship could survive. What makes this break-up song refreshing is that it is not about anger or the assignment of blame, but focuses on an understanding that loves without judgment. It is about acceptance.

A variety of romantic entanglements are explored throughout III. From the tainted love of “Contaminated” where the singer takes the point of view of “the other woman” to the messy call for help to get out of the doomed relationship of “Propaganda,” Banks takes on, and sheds, a variety of points of view. Musically, “Propaganda” is the more interesting and tuneful song among this largely collection of downbeat R&B songs.

“Propaganda’s” beat is mid-tempo with a spritely, energetic vocal delivery despite the depressing subject material.

“If We Were Made of Water” is the most satisfying song on the album. Lyrically, Banks focuses on the desire to reduce people to very simple elements, like water, in order to gain the understanding that leads

to compatibility. The simple descending chords of the keyboard-based song’s ambitions are for uncomplicated simplicity. It is an intriguing concept and the track’s producer, BJ Burton, incorporates clean production techniques to help accent the song’s message. An unexpected and deeply personal composition that implies the depth of what is taking placed just below the surface for the artist herself.

III ends with “What About Love.” This pondering exposition on the desire for a past lover who has moved on to a relationship with someone else is the opposite of what was found in “Sawzall.” There is a selfish naïveté found in the lyrics. Ultimately, it is a disappointing and unfulfilling end to a mixed album of romantic exploration. The song’s basic theme of “I belong to nobody, but you belong to someone else” while expressing desperation by continuously repeating “What about Love? I love you” during the outro lends to the unsatisfying conclusion that despite the search, the album’s protagonist still has further to go to really understand relationships. Uneven yes, but also something that should resonate to everyone.

Bottom Line: III is a downbeat R&B album that, while patchy, does contain a few songs with intriguing sonic possibilities for the listener willing to dedicate the time.

Daniel G. Moir has forgotten more about music than all the rest of us know combined. Reach him at editor@southernminnscene.com

The Right Tire Changes Everything!

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OFFER VALID 8/21/19 - 9/3/19

* See BFGoodrichTires.com/Promo for complete offer details.

Offer expires 09/03/2019.

Void where prohibited. **See store fro details.

Copyright © 2019 MNA, Inc. All rights reserved.

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729 NW 4th St. Faribault 507-334-4640 24628 Holland Ave. Morristown 507-685-4342 Cars • Trucks • Vans • Complete Auto & Tire Care • Tune-Ups • Brakes • Exhaust • A/C • Electrical • Tires • Computer Balancing • Alignment Follow us on

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2019

Minnesota

d

All New in 2019!

Dragons Fire Aerial Act Falconer

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Vikings Invasion Encampment Full Contact Live Armored Jousting NEW! The King’s Wine Cellar Featuring Joel Gott Cabernet 50+ Free Family Friendly Activities Wizards Flight School Zipline Mermaids, Fairies, Vikings & much more!

Open weekends August 17th - September 29th Labor Day and Festival Friday, September 27th 9am-7pm • Rain or Shine

FREE

PROVIDED BY

PARKING!

952.445.7361 • RenaissanceFest.com

Advance Tickets available online or at participating locations:

Discount Coupons available at participating locations:

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AUGUST

22 24 24

Family Float at River Bend Nature Center

Spirited Craftman Comedy Showcase at Corks and Pints Garrison Keillor live at the Paradise Center for the Arts

SEPTEMBER

13-22 14 19 20 27

Disney’s Newsies at the Paradise Center for the Arts

Car Show and Old Country Boys Band at Winjum’s Shady Acres

Taste of Faribault at Faribault American Legion

Car Cruise at Faribault Harley Davidson Takin’ it to the Limit - Eagles Tribute at Paradise Center for the Arts

OCTOBER

5 5 5

Fall Festival and Chili Cook off downtown Faribault Night at the Museum at the Rice County Historical Society

t l u a b i r a F OT MINNES

A

Experiencing American Stories

River Bend Ramble at the River Bend Nature Center

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/FaribaultTourism/

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SoMinn Food & Dining

Review

pat garry JOURNALIST – COPYWRITER – EDITOR – FEATURE WRITER My experience spans 19-years, and I will apply my skills to help beef-up any lifeless copy within your website, brochure, press release, catalog, etc. - patgarry@charter.net

Babe’s

Music Bar

C

o-owners Mike Tupa and Tom Tomaro took control of Babe’s Music Bar (Lakeville) in June, 2000. The management team consists of Rico Taghavi (kitchen manager), Bree Pashouwer, and Ken Gilbert. Though Babe’s has always been known as the area’s “hot spot” for meeting friends for a drink, or to catching a televised game, they also go to great lengths to bring their customers

outstanding food.

Just a few of the scrumptious offerings at Babe’s: Quesadilla: grilled, herbed tortilla stuffed with a five-cheese blend; garnished with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream and salsa; Royal Burger: Wisconsin-aged cheddar, bacon, onion crisps, shredded lettuce, tomato, and Babe’s special burger sauce; Babe’s Family Pack To-Go: 8 pieces broasted chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, 4 bakery fresh rolls, and coleslaw; Chicken and Ribs: 2 pieces chicken and 1/2 rack (your choice of leg and wing, leg and thigh, breast and wing or breast and thigh); Signature French Dip: tender roast beef smothered in provolone cheese and topped with onion crisps, on grilled French bread. (served with sides of made-from-scratch horseradish sauce and warm au jus; Oven Toasted Turkey Hoagie: sliced turkey, swiss, tomato, onion and garlic butter on French bread, then oven toasted, finished with shredded lettuce, special house made hoagie dressing and mayo; You will also find great salads, great desserts, and a lot of choices on the kids menu.

Babe’s features “Build-Your-Own Omelets” every Sunday from

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Babe’s Music Bar is a great place to catch a game on any of the wall-to-wall TVs, while enjoying an awesome Bloody Mary, concocted with Babe’s secret recipe mix. The venue is known for its fresh, never frozen black Angus burgers, that are pattied in-house; the slowroasted BBQ ribs; and Babe’s delectable broasted chicken. They’ve also become famous for some of the area’s best food and drink specials. Babe’s is a neighborhood bar and grill that has been a staple in downtown Lakeville since 1988, and they have served-up reasonably priced scratch-made cuisine ever since. Boasting one of the biggest bars in the area, Babe’s has an extensive draft beer selection. Some of the metro’s best live music is found at Babe’s every Friday night; with DJs appearing on Saturdays, and guest talent from KDWB. Entertainment at Babe’s is top-notch. Find everything from pool to pinball; and if you are in the mood for wagering, they offer pull tabs and electronic gaming, which supports local youth hockey.

“We have historically been known for being the location where everyone meets. If you come to Babe’s and you’re from the area, you’re certain to connect with friends. We have also been a big supporter of the local community, and Babe’s is proud to be included in the center of fundraisers for those in need,” explained Tupa. Events are paramount at Babe’s. They host live music at Pan-O-Prog every summer. One of the most popular events is the day before Thanksgiving. It’s a big time for

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everyone who is in town to reconnect with old and new friends/ acquaintances.

Another overwhelming favorite is Babe’s Halloween Party. Friends from KDWB do all of the hosting, and a lucky ‘top-costume’ winner walks away with $1,000. March is extra special at the bar. St. Patrick’s Day features home-made corned beef and cabbage; and of course, Irish stew. Throw in the ever-exciting March Madness with Babe’s weekly Friday night fish fry; and the place is really hopping. It would behoove everyone to keep in close touch with Babe’s and all of their future changes that are in the plans. “We continually are striving to improve Babe’s, like updating the menu (broasted chicken was added) and tap beer system and towers (completed in 2018). Plans to upgrade the sound system for live music and our DJ nights; plus upgrading the decor and finishes inside the restaurant, will hopefully occur in 2019 and 2020,” Tomaro said. (20685 Holyoke Ave South, Lakeville); Open Every Day From 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. & Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.) (www.babesmusicbar.com).

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THE BOOKWORM SEZ By Terri Schlichenmeyer

Bad Axe County

by John Galligan Your neighbor minds his business.

And yours, the guy’s down the road, and the lady’s next door. He sees everything and is happy to share – or so you’ve heard. As in the new novel “Bad Axe County” by John Galligan, nobody tells you a thing.

When the Weather Service said that a storm was coming and it might dump ten inches of snow, few in Bad Axe County worried.

It was just another spring in Wisconsin and the snow

wouldn’t last. Still, Interim Sheriff Heidi Kick needed to keep her deputies alert, though that was becoming a problem: half her staff was loyal to the last sheriff, and they made little-to-no effort to hide their dislike for her.

Much of Bad Axe County kinda seemed like that, ever since the night a dozen years ago when Heidi’s parents were killed in what authorities said was a murdersuicide. Heidi was serving as the county’s Dairy Queen then, and folks never forgot that those both set her apart. It surely didn’t make her job – or her life – easier.

Neither did a growing sense that there were things people weren’t telling her.

Like, when elderly librarian Harold Snustead was assaulted at work. The attack seemed senseless, even to a witnesses who also said that Walt Beavers had been

The Family Next Door:

The Heartbreaking Imprisonment of the Thirteen Turpin Siblings and Their Extraordinary Rescue

by John Glatt Your neighbors’ door is always closed, firmly.

Being stick-to-themselves kind of people, they don’t chit-chat across lawns or stop by to borrow a tool, and they never wave when you see them. They’re hard to figure out but, as in “The Family Next Door” by John Glatt, you don’t know what happens behind closed doors.

When seventeen-year-old David Turpin met ten-year-old

Louise Robinette, it was love at first sight: he “showered the shy girl with attention” and they courted by holding hands in church. When she was sixteen and he was twenty-three, the pair ran away to Texas, got married, and moved to California, hoping to start the big family that Louise always said she wanted.

Their first daughter was born in mid-1988 and by all accounts, Louise was overjoyed at becoming a mother.

A son arrived in early 1992, and another child in late 1993. Fifteen months later, the eldest, Jennifer, started first grade and trouble began immediately: she was taunted by peers for “poor personal hygiene.” While she was enduring social agony at school, another baby arrived at home, and another, and another…

Kids Boredom Busters The Floor is Lava

by Ivan Brett

You Are Awesome

by Matthew Syed

United Tastes of America:

An Atlas of Food Facts & Recipes from Every State!

by Gabrielle Langholtz, drawings by Jenny Bowers, photos by DL Acken Mom says if she hears it one more time, she’s going to scream.

The truth is, though, summer’s halfway over and you’ve done everything you wanted to do so now you’re (do you dare say it?) bored. Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!

So maybe it’s time to find some fun inside a book.

These three have what you need…

If you think you’ve played every game there is this summer, look inside “The Floor is Lava” by Ivan Brett, and think again. In this book, you’ll find all kinds of games you can play by yourself or with others, with or without props, non-electronically, at home or anywhere you happen to be.

Play “Murder in Paradise” while you still have

Love Thy Neighbor:

A Muslim Doctor’s Struggle for Home in Rural America

by Ayaz Virji with Alan Eisenstock Your best friend loves country music but you can’t stand it.

He likes a good glass of beer after work; you prefer plain water. She’s a jeansand-tees kind of woman, but you’re more button-down.

You’re yin and yang, each quite different from the other but as in the new book “Love Thy Neighbor”

by Ayaz Virji (with Alan Eisenstock), you’re more alike than you think.

46

Practicing “turnstile medicine” was never his thing.

In hospital-as-corporation, though, that’s often the way things are done and Dr. Ayaz Virji didn’t like it. Keeping one eye on the clock while he cared for patients wasn’t how he thought a doctor should practice medicine, so he was ready to move his family from their Pennsylvania home, maybe to a rural area that badly needed a doctor. Statistically, he says, in rural areas, there’s one doctor for every 1,900 patients.

He could do good things in a small town.

And that’s how he ended up in tiny, almost-all-white Dawson, Minnesota, where his family’s Muslim faith and their brown faces set them apart.

Being “Minnesota nice,” Dawson was welcoming.

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Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer based just across the river from SoMinn in LaCrosse, WI. She can be contacted at bookwormsez@gmail.com

on the library’s public-access computer. When Heidi checked its history, she discovered that Beavers had been looking at a website for local sex workers and possible predators. Was that why he skedaddled after the attack?

At the county’s edge, Pepper Greengrass had only known Dale Hill for a short time, but she already knew everything about him: he wasn’t very bright, so the sixteen-year-old played him like her Ho-Chunk ancestors played a drum. Hill was surely her ticket away from her sleazy step-father, so she’d go along with whatever he said; besides, Pepper’s Dad once told her to “go with the flow” and she’d always be okay. She remembered that, as she was passed from man to man in a line that stretched from 1980 to South Dakota and straight into Bad Axe County…

Readers who are fans of author John Galligan’s previous books may’ve wondered where Galligan’s been since the last one. One possible answer: he

may’ve been perfecting his craft, because “Bad Axe County” is as good as it gets.

With a shiver and nod at today’s news, this novel opens with a scream of two different sorts as we’re introduced to a new, and quite reluctant, crimefighter in Heidi Kick, who wears armor that’s part platinum, part cotton, and she’s not afraid to get it dirty. Readers will also be delighted that Kick is fresh, open, not-quitenaïve, but willing to be schooled; surrounding her is a bawdy dispatcher, a too-handsome officer, an eager EMS volunteer, and criminals that’ll make you cringe, gasp, and dig your nails in.

Readers of thrillers take note, then: “Bad Axe County” is wildly good, frighteningly realistic, sometimes raw, and gritty as dirt. It’s perfect for you. Make it your business to read it.

By early 2015, there were thirteen Turpin children.

David and Louise – who’d insisted on being called “Father” and “Mother” – had moved the family several times, leaving homes in terrible states of filth with each move. The children were “homeschooled,” but they weren’t even taught the basics; when she was displeased, Mother would “pitch” them across the room, and fear kept them in line. If that didn’t work, they were chained to their beds, starved, often with no access to bathrooms, showers, or the outdoors.

And yet, curiously, pricey gifts were given for “good behavior,” including smartphones for the older children. In January 2018, those devices proved to be life-saving, as one of the Turpin girls worked a plan she’d concocted, borrowed a phone, crawled out a window, and called 9-1-1…

For the last eighteen months, much about the Turpin case was shrouded in necessary secrecy and who’d blame you for being curious? Nobody – so author John Glatt takes the lid off the whole sensational story, but alas, “The Family Next Door” leaves as many questions as it answers and many threads are left hanging.

There’s also a lot of repetition here, specifically, explanations of something within the timeline and the same, often identical, words inside the trial account.

New information then feels muddy, perhaps due to the sheer overload of it all. Don’t, in other words, be surprised if this book feels like too much, because it is.

And yet, there are moments of this book that will astound you for their strength and grip you in total astonishment. The former will hit you in the heart; the latter will make you think of a train wreck: you can’t look, but you can’t not.

Super-sensitive readers, please pass on this book because it’s riveting but also very disturbing. For truecrime buffs, though, it’s a gigantic “yes”: “The Family Next Door” will have you in its clutches until its back cover is closed.

some vacation left. Get your baby brother to play the “Squiggle Challenge” with you. Try “The Silent Game” when your parents say you should simmer down. Play “Six Degrees of Separation” with a smartypants. Here’s another tip: if you’re a babysitter, there are things in this book that little kids can play, too, and that’ll make you the best babysitter ever.

So let’s say you’re spending the rest of your summer by yourself, no other kids around. Then you need “You Are Awesome” by Matthew Syed, a good sharp pencil and a good sharp mind. That’s because this book is going to make you think, but in a good way that you’ll like. It’ll give you a nice confidence boost, and some stories to read that will show you how others became their most awesome selves, too.

And finally, here’s a way to beat boredom and get fed: “United Tastes of America” by Gabrielle Langholtz, drawings by Jenny Bowers, photos by DL Acken. Yum, this cookbook will teach you all about the foods beloved by folks in each state of America, and a few facts about the states themselves. Then, you’ll find recipes you can try with the help of an adult because some recipes are easy but some are really challenging and you’ll want expert assistance in the kitchen.

Bon appetite! No more excuses. And with these great books - no more boredom!

More than perhaps anything in the world, you hate

when your child utters the “B-word.” Boredom should be banished, so eliminate it with these three fun books.

No matter what kind of kid you’ve got – quiet, boisterous, loner, or friend-magnet – these three books speak to that child’s heart. “The Floor is Lava” is for groups of kids or just one or two, and most of its activities require little-to-no materials. It’s the perfect book to spark imagination and creativity. “You Are Awesome” is great for the introspective child, or the kid who needs a boost for this fall; any child who’s heading to a new school will benefit from it. And “United Tastes of America” is great for the budding chef but be sure you stick around to help.

These books are just right for kids ages 10-and-up and are not just for summer. Get them, and your kids will scream with fun any time.

Virji’s family quickly became part of the community and Virji worked to make the hospital a first-class place for healthcare. He opened a weight-loss clinic that attracted patients nationwide, his wife opened a skincare clinic, the kids settled in at school, and the family adjusted to Minnesota winters.

Then came the election of 2016, when most of the county’s citizens voted Republican.

Seeing what was in store for Muslim families like his, Virji became uncharacteristically confrontational, emotional, and outraged at what had happened. He decided to step down at the hospital, leave Minnesota, and move to Dubai but Virji’s family wanted to stay; friends, a little shocked themselves, rallied in support, but racists were emboldened by politics and sent hate messages. When a local pastor’s intern asked Virji to speak about his faith at a public forum, he agreed, but the outcome was mixed.

“What,” he asked about tolerance, “will it take?”

Looking at “Love Thy Neighbor,” you might think it’s a memoir with a happy ending, but no. For starters, with politics as they are today and immigration in flux,

this books’ real ending may be years away.

Opening with a detailed recount of a speech that feels more like a lecture, author Ayaz Virji then shifts to a fish-out-of-water tale with light amusement as he writes about his new and beloved hometown. That’s charming but beware: just pages in, this story takes two abrupt, parallel, and unexpected turns – one deeply political and the other, deeply instructional, as Virji spends pages describing anger at the open and sudden racism he experiences, and more pages teaching readers about how Islam compares to Christianity. The former is understandable and sympathetic readers will be outraged; the latter is interesting but it’s too intense and feels rather ill-placed.

If you’re expecting that, you might welcome the info but if you’re not, head’s up. “Love They Neighbor” is well-done and readable, but it’s also very, very different.

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Bad Axe County by John Galligan, c.2019, Atria, $26.00 / $35.00 in Canada, 327 pages.

The Family Next Door: The Heartbreaking Imprisonment of the Thirteen Turpin Siblings and Their Extraordinary Rescue by John Glatt, c.2019, St. Martin’s Press, $28.99 / $38.50 in Canada, 310 pages.

The Floor is Lava by Ivan Brett, c.2019, Gallery Books, $14.99 / Higher in Canada, 252 pages.

You Are Awesome by Matthew Syed, c.2019, Sourcebooks, $14.99 / Higher in Canada, 160 pages.

United Tastes of America: An Atlas of Food Facts & Recipes from Every State! by Gabrielle Langholtz, drawings by Jenny Bowers, photos by DL Acken, c.2019, Phaidon, $29.95 / $39.95 in Canada, 239 pages.

Love Thy Neighbor: A Muslim Doctor’s Struggle for Home in Rural America by Ayaz Virji with Alan Eisenstock, c.2019, Convergent, $26.00 / $35.00 in Canada, 208 pages.

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